Hats off to EVERYONE in this thread! Thank's for helping a newbie get started right. I'm 42 years old now, and got into this addiction when I was 17. The summer of 1982 I worked construction in the Florida sun to buy my first system. My father had no interest in audio, just golf.
My only resource were my precious collection of "Stereo Review" magazines. I went with cheapo Technics equipment, but bought my speakers locally. Boston Acoustics, then JBL's.
When I went into the Army things changed. Hi end gear was everywhere! All the respected names were for sale without the mark up or taxes! I bought my trusty JBL's for $660 a pair, where as at my hometown dealer they were over $1200 plus taxes. And bought top of the line NAD and Denon gear.
Anyways
midna don't expect your first system to be your last. You've taken a bite from the fruit, and now your doomed
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Surround sound in a dorm room might be a little overkill. Go with a 2.1 until your in an big apartment or house.
If it were me, I'd get the best speakers I could afford, because even the best electronics can't help the sound of crappy speakers. Buy the best 2.1 reciever you can, and an Oppo to play DVD/CD/MP3 disc's. Later add a descent sub, and enjoy till you can start your next system.
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
