Wholeheartly agree with Khomas' above post. I think for $3700.00, you can purchase a FAR better system, especially if you are willing to purchase used equipment. Just by your questions and comments, I would like to offer the following advice and comments: Trying to build a system from scratch requires a little homework on your part ... what do I listen to? what percentage of the time would I expect to listen to music from my HT system? what are my listening/home theatre room dimensions and sonic characteristics, and how much power do I need? what features (component inputs, video switching, etc.) do I need? what upgrade paths in video/dvd or cd reproduction might I expect in next couple of years? A book that might help is Robert Harley's "The Complete Guide to High-End Audio"; $30.00 that is wisely spent. Before you go and start putting equipment together, do your homework, and then get out there to listen (and look) at equipment. Put together a short list. The questions on mixing and matching components can then be answered by the golden ears found here.
question about BOSE reputation
I have never listened to a BOSE system but I have heard that many audiophiles "hate" this brand. Is this brand really that bad for the money? The other day I saw in the Bose web page a home theater system, the Lifestyle 50, which retails for $3700. I was wondering if there are a lot of options better than Bose for much less money. For example, do you guys think that I can go better with a Denon receiver and some not too expensive speakers from...B&W or Infinity for example? If so, which would be the least expensive Denon A/V receiver and B&W or Infinity speakers to beat away that $3700 Bose system? How much would that system be? Your comments and suggestions will be highly appreciated. Thanks. Jair