and it had DTS-ES and DD-EX.

what speakers would you recommend? 7.1 setup sets available (is that right)?

What is your budget for speakers? What sizes? Are you getting a sub?

yes, a subwoofer.

i was hoping for something like the energy 5.1 system - can i just add a couple of speakers? something w/ a lot of bang for the buck.

I would look at brands like PSB, Paradigm, B&W, Mirage, Def Tech, and Energy. All of them should have some great options in your price range. All of them provide incredible values with PSB and Paradigm heading the list IMO. Find some local small A/V shops where you can listen to them.

Out of curiousity, are you 100% sold on the JVC receiver?

for about $330, yes i am sold. i like the USB port on it too although i'm not sure what i'll do w/ it. i ordered it but don't have it yet.

i know people like the denon and the onkyos, but for that price, i couldn't find one w/ dts-es and dd-ex. next time

What's deceiving about that model is that it decodes DD EX and DTS ES, BUT you'll notice it only has speaker outputs and amps to power the standard 5.1 system only.

You have to buy an extra amp OR a powered rear center speaker to accomplish DD EX or DTS ES. (This just means more money)

This is why I got the Pioneer VSX-D811S instead for $350 shipped. It has amps and speaker outputs for all of the 6.1 speakers, plus all of the other features the JVC offers (DD EX, PLII, DTS ES.

Here's the Pioneer info: 811

Alfer

Alfer thanks for that post. You answered one of my own questions about the 6.1 abilities of the JVC (from another post). I completely forgot about the Pioneer.

awww *&%$)#@!!! now you tell me thanks for letting me know. i'll have to see if i can cancel or return it.