I'm not sure if they are still doing it, but because Best Buy had turned into a glorified showroom, they started an online price matching policy that included amazon and other major online retailers.

You recommended that the space probably needs more than a sound bar. Any suggestions? I suppose I won't have a hard time running wire horizontally through those pillars but running them down is a pain. But I suppose I wouldn't have speakers in the bottom cutouts on the sides of the fireplace so I guess that's a moot point. Do they make wireless setups for all speakers?

Interesting. I did not know that. Thanks.

Do you a place/room for a receiver/amp, because there are tons of 3.1/5.1/7.1 speaker sets that will give you better sound and a fuller presence than a soundbar, but they'll need amplification in most all cases. I'm sure you can find a wireless solution out there if you have the scratch.

I don't own a receiver but we definitely have place for one. So those setups require plugin to a receiver for amplification purpose?

Yes, twin lead wire for each speaker. If it's not provided, 12 gauge lamp cord at HD or Lowes will work [they sell it by the foot or in 50 and 100 foot rolls], and an RCA connection to the sub, like below but you only need a single lead [those are usually included]. You'll also want wall brackets to mount your speakers, they can be as big or small, simple or fancy as you like. Finally, you need a connection from your TV to the receiver. HDMI is most advanced and simplest [it can carry stereo, 3.1, 5.1 and 7.1 depending on the signal the TV receives], but you can go as far down the totem as another pair of RCA jacks, though then your surround sound would be simulated [Dolby Pro-Logic] by the receiver from an analog stereo signal received from the TV.

http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...KHFrhW9E6g.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ite-cables.jpg

http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchf...B-o_right.jpeg

Baby Lee: What about something like this.

System gets good reviews and isn't super costly.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_i...seq=1&format=2

Receiver?

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_i...seq=1&format=2

The receiver would probably be all right, can't say much for the speakers as I've never heard speakers from Monoprice, but the sub only goes down to 50Hz, which most decent bookshelf speakers go that low on their own. I'd look for something that AT LEAST goes down to 33-30Hz in the sub area, or just get a set of better bookshelves and skip the sub. You don't have to spend $1K on a primo speaker set, but $89 probably isn't going to get you anything of quality new. $300-700 or so is the range you should like at. Maybe look around and see if you can get a good deal on that $800 MSRP Cambridge Audio setup I listed above, or something comparable. Maybe scout your electronics stores for floor models.

I would suggest, if you have one at your convenience, going to a higher end store than Best Buy for at least a listen to see if you yearn for better than you see at BB. You might, you might not, but the experience is worth the effort before shelling out dough. Nothing like hearing something that you fall in love with and kicking yourself 'for $75 more $$!! :cuss:'

EDIT TO ADD: A truly good quality sub need only get you to 20Hz 'flat' ie, with little tapering of sound at the low end. That's fairly firmly established as being as low as you can hear, though some go even lower [at great expense] so you can FEEL the low end in your body. So use that as a barometer when assessing how much you want to spend for subs betwen 30-33Hz down to 20 [hint, you'll probably not find a truly flat to 20Hz sub for less that $800-1000 for it alone]. But still, 50Hz cutoff is pretty useless, unless you're using it in a small room like on your computer, where it'll be a little better than a boom box.

For the money, you cannot beat Hsu Research subwoofers. Check out their website, as sometimes they even have scratch and dents. Plus, cosmetically, they offer piano black finish, which is nice to look at. Some of their least expensive stuff will get you down to the 20Hz range, and I believe they have a few that go down lower than that at the higher end.

Baby Lee, what about something like this. I'm still researching. And while I don't have a set budget, I really don't want to spend the cash for a super top of the line system.

This unit comes with great reviews, receiver/speakers together. Price seems very reasonable. I'd probably mount two of the speakers on the pillars above the TV and place two in the cutouts to the side of the TV.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YHT-497...zg_bs_281056_2

Amazon is running some specials on their best selling home theater systems too.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-E...pe_row3_b2_t//

Last thing. If you get a system with many speakers, do most people put two of the speaker behind or to the side of the seating area? I don't really want to run or have a way to run speaker wire for that because we have openings on both sides of our living room and I sure as hell don't want wire being visible there. Does anyone put all 5 speakers in the front by the TV?

As you can tell, I am not the least bit tech savvy.

ROFL

The picture may be deceiving but to me no sound bar is going to fill that room. Is this where you do most you tv watching?

If it were me id say f the soundbar and 5.1 or 7.1 system. Just get 2 floor staning speakers and a sub in that room.

If you have a entertainment room that is less open thats where I would go 5.1 or 7.1.

There are so many good speaker companies at much affordable prices than Bose. Dont fall for the marketing ploy. The put 1o cent speakers and hardware in those things then engineer the hell out of it to get some semblance of sound.

Yeah, **** Bose. If you're set on a soundbar, Polk is the way to go, IMO.

And I don't know where you live, but I'd go somewhere other than Best Buy to check them out. You won't have a clue how they actually sound. Nebraska Furniture Mart or somewhere similar will help with that more the Best Buy.

If its a wifey thing and it has to be a soundbar take a look at these.

From Pioneer and designed by Andrew Jones a renowned speaker designer.

http://www.cnet.com/products/pioneer-sp-sb23w/

I have heard these also and as far as a soundbar goes its about as good as you will get. I caution you though the look of your room you wont find anything thats sounds like what you heard in a showroom at your home. That room is to open and requires a much more substantial system.

That may be a tough pill to swallow for the wifey.

http://www.zvoxaudio.com/divinity-ca...ase.555/1.html