setting up new 5.1 and 7.1 systems - receiver advice

[canon007]

I'm moving and need to update my existing setup and purchase a new system. Currently, my home theatre setup consists of the following:
-Onkyo TXNR07 receiver
-Energy Connoisseur series
- C-C1 Centre channel
- two C3 bookshelf speakers
-e:XL-S12 Subwoofer
-two ceiling mounted rear speakers we had installed when the house was built (had the CR-1 rear speakers but sold them when we moved).

I've had the energy speakers now for around 13 years and trying to decide whether to sell them, or keep the current setup and pick up either two rear speakers for a 5.1 setup, or 4 for a 7.1 setup. The receiver is around 6 or 7 years old and isn't a 3D receiver.

I'm looking to setup two rooms in our new home.

1) Room 1- Media room home theatre system:
There is already a media room that is pre-wired for rear and front speakers), i will need to fish in HDMI cables to replace the current component wiring. I'm planning on putting an HD 3d projector, which means i need a new receiver (as mentioned the current Onkyo isn't a 3D receiver).
For this room, I'd like some advice on a receiver that will support 3D and i figure i may as well get one that is 4K just in case i move in that direction in the future. I also wanted to get some advice on the speakers. Should i keep my energy speakers, which i like, but not crazy about the sub woofer (partly because I'm really not sure on the proper settings to use - not an audiophile :laugh: do like good sound, just not sure how to set it up. If my existing speakers are adequate, any advice for the rears? Currently the room is only setup for 5.1. Is it worth adding to existing wiring - means having them exposed or incurring additional cost for tearing up the wall (not keen on that) to go to 7.1. Is it worth going to 7.1?

So basically, for the media room, five questions:

1. -Should i stick with my current speakers and just got rears?
2. What is the best option for a receiver (under $1200 CDN)? One of the consideration for the speakers is that the upper level is pre-wired for speakers (music) that i want to be able to control with the receiver in the media room. Prior to the Onkyo I had a Denon for around 6 years. Not sure which way to go now.
3. -If so, what are some good rears to go with my current energy speakers?
4. -Is my current subwoofer any good, and if not, what should i get? IF it is good enough, where can i learn more about settings for a sub-woofer??
5. -Should i stick with 5.1 or is it worth the extra expense for a 7.1 system?

Room 2: 5.1 system in Master bedroom with existing 60 inch HD Plasma tv
For the master bedroom I was considering the Bose Lifestyle 535 system. The bose store in town has it on sale for $2700 CDN (original price is $4800), as the system is not 4K and will be replaced by the new 630 and 635 systems.

I know that there are a lot of critical threads for bose i've read. Is the sale price worth it - its more than i want to spend, but its one that i can sell to my wife, since it is nice and compact. Any other alternatives that anyone can suggest?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[cel4145]

Not sure what receiver is the best bet for you, although I'm a fan of Denon over Onkyo because of Audyssey MultEQ. A few years ago, Onkyo dropped Audyssey for their own room eq.

Also, you should be able to do better than Bose Lifestyle for $2700. Here is a great deal on Kef Q100s and Q200c center:
http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalog/product/82842-KEF-Q100
http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalog/product/158591-KEF-Q200c-B

Far better sound. Or how about these and their matching center: http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/speakers-systems-c-13/prime-series-speakers-c-13_15/svs-prime-satellite-speakers-black-ash-pair-p-65.html.
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/speakers-systems-c-13/prime-series-speakers-c-13_15/svs-prime-centre-channel-speaker-black-ash-p-25.html

Here's a slimline Marantz receiver: http://ca.marantz.com/ca/products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=avreceivers&ProductId=NR1504. Add a sub. Maybe this one? http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalog/product/231819-Klipsch-R-10SW

 

[canon007]

Not sure what receiver is the best bet for you, although I'm a fan of Denon over Onkyo because of Audyssey MultEQ. A few years ago, Onkyo dropped Audyssey for their own room eq.

Also, you should be able to do better than Bose Lifestyle for $2700. Here is a great deal on Kef Q100s and Q200c center:
http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalog/product/82842-KEF-Q100
http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalog/product/158591-KEF-Q200c-B

Far better sound. Or how about these and their matching center: http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/speakers-systems-c-13/prime-series-speakers-c-13_15/svs-prime-satellite-speakers-black-ash-pair-p-65.html.
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/speakers-systems-c-13/prime-series-speakers-c-13_15/svs-prime-centre-channel-speaker-black-ash-p-25.html

Here's a slimline Marantz receiver: http://ca.marantz.com/ca/products/pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=avreceivers&ProductId=NR1504. Add a sub. Maybe this one? http://www.2001audiovideo.com/en/catalog/product/231819-Klipsch-R-10SW

Thanks for the advice!!
Would you recommend the Denon 4200W or 3200W with my current speaker setup, or with the KEF speakers you suggested?? Both are on sale right now and I used to have a Denon for around 7 years prior to replacing that with an Onkyo - i liked both receivers, but am looking for a 3D receiver now.

 

[lovinthehd]

Comparative chart between the 3200 and 4200

I'd go 4200 for the XT32 personally.