For my system I got the following:
Athena Point 5 speakers (no sub) for $200 at OneCall when they were on clearence. ($500 msrp)
http://www.athenaspe...iesSpeakers.htmYamaha 550W 5.1-Ch. XM Satellite Radio-Ready Digital Home Theater Receiver - $200
http://www.bestbuy.c...d=1134703786117MTX 12" Subwoofer (SW2) - 100W powered on sale for $150 at the time
http://www.circuitci...roductDetail.doTotal cost to me (minus speaker wire and shelving): $550
The Athena Point 5 speakers really make this system. They are great speakers. The sub is pretty incredible for it's price. I don't think I could use anything more as I already rattle closed doors. Yamaha makes great receivers. Put it together yourself... you get the things you want. I have gone the HTiB route before and I was not satisfied. This time I picked the pieces I want to create a system I would be satisfied with.
Cables... Monoprice.
pwned...