Hey all, it's been some time, UCLA has kept me as busy as ever. I am going to have a little more time and a little more funding for the home theater come next week, and I wanted to go over the current status.

I returned the bose system to my family, it's going to keep the living room lively for guests. The Sony receiver, unfortunately, is still a component of my system. However, I went a bought a few speakers. I got a VERY good deal on some low-end JBL's from e-bay. I have a few changes I'd like to make, and, if you have the time, I'd love to hear your opinions on the proposed changes and whatever else I could do.

Current Input - Roomate's Philips DVP642 DVD player (Nothing special).

Future Input - No idea, looking for something mid-line, suggestions?

Current Processor/Amp - Sony STRDE598

Future Processor/Amp - Outlaw 1070. OR 7125 Amp along with either a 970 or 990. There's a sweet deal going on for the 7125 amp... thinking about taking it.

Current Speakers - JBL Northridge Series

2 E-80's in front
1 E-35 center channel
2 E-10's in back for surround
1 LFM-1 Subwoofer

I eventually want to expand to a 7 channel system, not sure if I should get some more floor standers, or more of the surround E-10's or what. The floor speakers can handle 125 watts, while the E-10's can only handle a continuous 50 watts.

The JBL's aren't AMAZING speakers, but they are a huge upgrade from tha jewel cubes, and are currently suffering from a lack of power from the "100 watts per channel" (haha, riiight) sony receiver.

Obviously I'm concentrating on upgrading the sony into either a 1070 or take the deal and eventually scrounge together seperates from Outlaw.

There was some concern over parties and, believe me, I've had my fair share over the years. Guests are aware they'll be given a thorough beating if anything should befall the precious sound system, so I'm not too worried about it, everyone has been quite good about it so far.

I've noticed there's a distinct lack of surround-sound feeling when listening to anything. I've got the receiver decoding the Dolby signal correctly, but either the speakers are posititioned too high above the couch (they're about 3 feet above the couch, which is directly against the wall) or something is wrong with the signal processing.

What I don't understand is how the sony can be rated 100 watts per channel, and yet the 1070 is 65 watts per channel, yet so much better. When listening to music, I'll often just use two channels, and the subwoofer. Even then I don't think I'm getting 100 watts per channel. I understand the concept of the 1070 providing 65 watts with "all channels driven" while the sony may only do it with 2 channels, or whatnot. However, even with the two, it sounds weak.

Another concern I have is power. There are only two outlets in the area, and the TV/Amp/Process/Subwoofer, etc. must be plugged into one of the two outlets. Is it possible I'll have huge power issues? I'd rather not put the $600 subwoofer and the future $900 amp on the same circuit, right? *laughs*

Thanks for looking this over folks, I'm sure you're all chuckling at the naivety of this college student. Rest assured, you've been a big help so far and I can't wait for the next evolution of my home theater!