Another aspect to consider is listening in other than standard 5.1/2.0 formats for 5.1/2.0 sources. Doing this well, with the operative word being well, could entail a larger investment everthing else being equal.
When I went from a 5.1 to a 7.1 system, I found a remarkable improvement in envelopment in my listening room, so much so that I would never go back to 5.1.
Based on personal experience, I recommend listening to a properly set up 7.1 system using Lexicon's Logic 7.
Based on what I have read in forums, I would also recommend listening to a Meridian PrePro system.
Bruce
When I went from a 5.1 to a 7.1 system, I found a remarkable improvement in envelopment in my listening room, so much so that I would never go back to 5.1.
Based on personal experience, I recommend listening to a properly set up 7.1 system using Lexicon's Logic 7.
Based on what I have read in forums, I would also recommend listening to a Meridian PrePro system.
Bruce