I am looking to create a home theater in the basement of our split level and I must admit that the more I read right now the more I am confused!  I am sold on getting Aperion speakers but am still trying to figure out the speaker arrangement and which speakers to get.  Some details about what I would like to do first...

- The size of the room is 22' x 25' with 8' ceilings.  The TV (tentatively a 65" plasma) will be on one side of the room against the wall while the couches will be approximately 2/3 of the room back.

- We are not into music at all. I am strictly looking at audio for movies and perhaps video games in the future (currently have a Wii, eventually will get an Xbox 360).  However, I really want the audio quality to be top notch when watching blu ray movies.  I really want to "feel" all of the effects and get a true movie theater experience.

- I want to get something very good right now, but I have no intentions to upgrade it as new technology comes out.  Perhaps when 3D TV becomes common, I will upgrade the TV.  For the audio portion, I plan to keep it as is for a number of years.

The first problem I have is the receiver.  I am torn between the Onkyo 607 and the 1007.  Will I hear an audio difference between these receivers?  As I understand, the 1007 allows some different speaker setups but I am not sure how effective they are.  I do not want to spend money if it is unnecessary, so if there is no reason to get the 1007 I will get the 607.

The next questions are about individual types of setups.  First, the setup I am looking to start with is the 6T Hybrid DB.

- Subwoofer. I have read on some sites that adding a second subwoofer is a big improvement.  Which would give me the best result - adding a second subwoofer or getting the XD subwoofer instead - or will neither of these show a noticeable improvement in the bass?

- Height speakers.  The Onkyo's can do Dolby Pro Logic IIz which as I understand makes effects such as helicopters overhead and rain much more real.  I have also read differing opinions on whether one can hear the difference.  Is it worth doing this?  If I do this, which speakers would work best for height speakers?

- Front wide left and right speakers.  These are in addition to the left and right speakers and are used for Audyssey DSX.  Do these honestly make a difference?  I can't find much info on these, so I'm a bit skeptical they are useful. Any opinions on these would be appreciated.

- Surround speakers.  As I understand two go directly behind the listener and two go on either side.  I think whether there are two or four of these is the difference between 5.1 and 7.1. Is this correct? 

OK, after some more research I think I have answered some of my questions but there are still some remaining.

In terms of receivers, I think I will go for the Onkyo TX-NR1007.  I do not have a huge room, but it seems like it is big enough to notice a difference.  I am also leaning towards the height speakers.

For the subwoofer, I found some info that two of the 10D subwoofers are superior to one 12D and that the difference is noticeable, so I think I will go this way.

I also found that wide left and right speakers (Audyssey DSX) are mutually exclusive of the height speakers (Dolby IIz).  I think I prefer the height speakers.

It sounds like the height speakers are worth it, as long as the cost isn't too much more.

Therefore, the questions that remain are the following (assuming the above is correct :))

- What speakers are best recommended for height speakers?

- For the side and back surround speakers, is it noticeable to upgrade to dipoles or is that overkill and I should stick to the bookshelf speakers?

Hi kirispupis, Pleasure speaking with you over the phone today! Hope the forums and the phone advice were helpful, please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Best Regards,

- Oliver