I wanted to mention, and not start a new thread...
Therr is a huge difference between budgetand high end AV recievers.
At my old house, I ran a 5.1 with Paradigm MillenniaOne Speakers and an UltraCube 10", powered by an Anthem MRX 520.
The Anthem died... during a lighting storm, and as a...
I disagree with the OP.
I think the minimum requirement for a home theater is a 3 channel soundbar and a seperate subwoofer...
...which is feasable well under $500.
Everybody has a budget.
I have a budget, it's more than most beginners, but about 1/3 of what I'd really like to spend.
I guess...