Home Theater System for $1500 - Your Thoughts?

Ive been pretty happy so far with my stereo system, but I think the time has come to get with the program and upgrade my system.. Currently Im using an ancient Technics SA-EX500 Dolby Pro Logic Receiver (120wx2, 110wx5) and two Bose 301 Series 3 bookshelf speakers.. They are hooked up to my 65" Widescreen Sony HD Projection TV..

The sound the Bose speakers can dish out is incredible, highs and lows are handled very well through the 8" woofer.. Ive had no complaints or problems with the Bose speakers or the receiver, they have been rocked hard in my home and they continue to perform like new!

So I set out one day looking for a speaker system and happened upon the Bose outlet.. I was there and heard a demo of the the Bose Acoustimass 16 series 3 speaker system and I was impressed; enough to buy it for $1150.. I took it home and never took it out of the box because of two things: 1) I need a receiver capable of 6.1 surround sound since it has 6 satellite speakers and 2) I need to run the wiring through the wall as I would like to have them mounted to ceiling..

I figured I get down and start looking for a receiver to match this speaker system and was shocked to see all the bad press over them.. Audiophiles called the acronym for Bose - (B)etter (O)ff (S)omewhere (E)lse.. While funny, I cant say I was too happy with my purchase anymore.. Which brings me to my dillema.. Im in a market for satellite speakers so I can wall mount them.. I have a somewhat large living room, but I want to avoid the cluttered look of putting speakers on stands.. Which is why the Bose speakers are so well suited for that purpose.. Ive also looked at the Infinity TSS-1100 speaker system and that seems like it would be just as good if not better at the $650 range.. I would like 5.1 or 6.1 speaker sets or the ability to upgrade to additional speakers..

Basically I looked a few recievers and decided on two.. The Onkyo TX-SR703 and the Sony STR-DA3100ES.. The major difference is that the Onkyo supports the THX Surround EX (Select2) format and the Sony has 120wx7 power vs. the 100wx7 with the Onkyo.. I want loud controlled sound from my reciever and since I had 120w before, I dont want to step down if its going to noticable.. The reciever needs to be 7.1 in case I decide to actually set it up for 7.1 down the road..

My questions for you audiophiles:
1) Should I take back my Bose Acoustimass Speakers system?
2) Which satellite speaker system would be a better bang for the buck?
3) Which reciever would provide a better bang sound wise?

Your opinions and recommendations are well appreciated..

What others think about them is irrelevant, if you like them, i dont see a problem. Personally, I have a bose home theater set as well (not all the same set, but all bose) and I couldn't be happier. I also have a set of Companion 3 pc speakers and haven't heard a better set, including klipsch. Just my opinion though.

I think there are 2 issues with Bose:
Brightness, but as indicated that's a personal preference issue; and
They're expensive for what you get (paper cones...).

For $400 you could get the Rocket Tykes (sold out now, nut they're a bargain and it's almost X-Mas)
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review1726.html

At that commitment, you might consider a gradual build. For a bit more than the Bose package, you can get something to really impress your friends (and neighbors).
http://www.av123.com/products_produc...s&product=14.1

Or you can build gradually, starting with the fronts and sub then adding center an surrounds later. I'm a big Onix fan, as you can tell. The packages are sweet and matched.

Thanks for your responses..

I just want to add that I like the satellite speaker idea with a hidden subwoofer.. Of course the subwoofer needs to provide lots of bass, so high wattage is also must..

The problem that Ive had so far with the Bose set Ive purchased is that I dont know what its going to sound like when I get it hooked up in the living room.. The setup most stores have, along with the Bose factory outlet, is kinda cramped and close quartered so the sound will be ample and loud, as well as the bass.. The sound is going to be different in a bigger room with fewer walls..

Just to add another issue, I chose the AM16 because it have three 5 1/4" downward firing woofers instead of two.. Im assuming this will also give me much more bass than the two woofer model.. Bose does not mention anywhere what kind of wattage is driving these subs, nor did any of the store help..

I dont know what to expect from the speakers and since Im in a position to take them back, Id like to know if there are alternatives that meet needs.. I also like the Inifinity TSS-1100 speaker system, I like the fact that the speakers can be hooked up directly to the amp vs. running them through the Bose Acoustimass module and back out again.. Bose makes it very clear that the satellite speakers should never be run through the reciever..

Id like to also ask you, which receiver would you recommend? If you had a choice of either the Onkyo TX-SR703 or the Sony STR-DA3100ES, which would you go with?

I'd say, for now, figure out the speaker package you want and match it to your receiver. In general, you want to spend most of your money on speakers as their technology changes much slower than receivers. The figure I remember (and it is a soft number) is 3x so if you're looking to spend $1500 on a receiver and speakers that's $375 for receiver and $1125 for speakers (as a ballpark). Check out this thread, it'll help you with receiver choice.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=583931

In fact, from the same site, here's a thread on someone that wants to spend $1500 on receiver and speakers, it should help.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=595029

Thanks.. Ill take a look at the thread..