re: Home Theater - smaller 3 speaker systems

quote:

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Would you recommend starting with a 5.1 receiver? Or should I be buying for the future and try to get a 7.1 with all the bells and whistles?

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Certainly start with a 5.1 receiver.
Consider 7.1 or even 7.2 if you see yourself expanding your speaker system or adding other zones in the near future.
Consider that new receiver models come out all the time with:
- more input types
- improved connectivity (including wifi and networking)
- ever changing audio and video technology
The receiver will eventually become obsolete or break down. My advice, buy what you need now, upgrade the receiver later.

I would invest your money in the speakers first.
Good speakers will last many years and wont become obsolete.