Well, here's a few tidbits for anyone planning on putting together a new HT. I learned this stuff as I set up my first real system (the one in my sig).
1. Take your time. Unless there's some uncontrollable factor that necessitates you buy your equipment
right now, there's no reason to rush it. I was able to cut my budget in half by having patience. I started out thinking I was going to be shelling out $400/pr on speakers, and $500 on a subwoofer. As I kept researching, I realized that I would only be wasting my money because of my living situation. This of course can go the other way. Your budget might get higher as you research. But nonetheless, you will get closer and closer to actually making a good, sound decision on your purchases and getting what you want, what you need, and something that you will truly be satisfied with (at least until the new electronics smell wears off....you audioholics
).
2. You think you'll need X feet of speaker cable? You're short buy at least 100 feet. Go buy some more.
3. Shop around on cables and accessories. I got a ton of cables (including 150 ft of speaker cable) for under $100. You can do very well on this stuff if you look for stuff on sale.
4. Find a friend/friend's son that works at Best Buy. Chances are they sell something you'll want/need, and the employee discount is very nice on the wallet. Take my receiver (Pioneer 1015TX) for instance: I got it for $333 and change (out the door).
5. Listen. This should've been up towards the top, but I'm too lazy to move it. Listening is by FAR the most important part of buying. Any preconceived notion of how a speaker sounds can be completely thrown out when you sit down at a dealer or friend's house. I thought B&W would sound great. Turns out I can't stand them. I thought soft domes would sound rolled off. Turns out I love their sound.
6. Before you buy, do a multi-check. Does it satisify the WAF (I don't have one, but you might)? If not, how can I lie/hide it/something else devious so that I can get it by? Do I really like these speakers/receiver? have I certified that I'm NOT getting ripped off (check on here for that)?
Edits!
7. One meter is not very long. Yes, it's longer than 3 feet. Yes, I know your componenents are close together. Buy a 2 meter one. (thanks Major...)
8. If you're making your own speaker stands (like I did), be sure to measure 3 or more times before you cut and re-cut.
I'm sure there are more, but that's what I have right now. I hope this can help at least one of you...