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Surround-sound buying guide

If you're feeling surrounded by questions instead of enveloping sound, you've come to the right place. We have suggestions on how to shop for everything surround, from A/V receivers to multichannel speakers, to full home theater systems.

1. How much do I need to spend?

2. Home theater in a box (HTIB)

3. A/V receivers
4. A/V pre-pros

5. Speaker placement

6. Speaker packages
7. Separate speakers

How much do I need to spend?
This first part is easy. Just factor in the variables of budget, room size, and the quality/quantity of the components, and you'll know approximately where you stand.

Price brackets: S$400 or less | S$850 or less | S$2,000 or less | S$3,000 or less | More than S$3,000

PRICE	ROOM SIZE	WHAT YOU'LL GET
S$400 or less	Think small, cozy corners or bedrooms measuring less than 9sqm.	A sub-400W compact home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) that includes a receiver/DVD player, five satellite speakers, and a subwoofer.
S$850 or less	Moderately sized bedroom or small living rooms measuring less than 16sqm.	A 600W and above HTIB with height-optimized tallboy speakers for that extra punch, 1080p upscaling DVD player and reserve power to fill the larger space.
S$2,000 or less	Moderately sized dedicated home theaters or living rooms with multiple or wide extensions measuring less than 24sqm.	An entry-level component kit comprising a 100W-per-channel A/V receiver, HD-upscaling DVD player and matched satellite/subwoofer speaker system.
S$3,000 or less	Large living rooms or dedicated home theaters measuring more than 30sqm. You can, of course, still use these systems in smaller rooms.	Customized midrange setup that includes a HD-enabled A/V receiver, Blu-ray player, bookshelf or floor-standing speakers for enhanced music playback and powered subwoofers.
More than S$3,000	Large living rooms or dedicated home theaters measuring more 30sqm. Those who want a first-rate system in a more intimate home theater should also consider stepping into this bracket.	A premium A/V receiver, Blu-ray player coupled with matched speakers and powered subwoofer. A five-figure budget will get you a no-holds barred "Pre-Pro" kit centered on an A/V processor/pre-amplifier and multichannel power amplifier