Home Theater - smaller 3 speaker systems

Start with a decent yamaha, Denon, etc receiver and go from there. TONS of options under $500 for decent bookshelf speakers...KEF, Monitor Audio, HSU, Klipsch, cambridge...

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?

Funny thing is I just bought an entire setup like this after having the Bose Cinemate system as well. I eventually will go with a full 5.1 surround, but because of finances am starting with a 3 speaker setup.

Here's what I ordered:
Onkyo TX-NR636 - 7.2 channel, HDMI 2.0 and Dolby Atmos compatible
Klipsch RC-41ii Center speaker
Klipsch RB-42 bookshelf speakers

This will be my base and I'll add either floor standing speakers later or another set of speakers for my back channels.

I am planning on ordering the Infiniti Primus PS410 sub in the near future.

All in all I'm in about $800 for this setup thus far.

To answer your question, I bought a 7.2 system for the future to use multi-room functions later.

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.