JLo

When deciding where to place your receiver, allow 4 inches or so of space behind it for cables and at least 2 inches on top for venting to prevent overheating. And if setting up a home theater is more than you want to tackle, consider calling in a professional installer. Retailers often offer an installation service or can refer you to one.

Make sure a receiver has the oomph to provide adequate volume: at least 50 watts per channel in a typical 12-by-20-foot living room, or 85 watts for a 15-by-25-foot space. A huge room, plush furnishings, inefficient loudspeakers, or high volume levels all call for more power.

Biyun

How much extra would professional installation cost? Would the installation cost as much, or more, than the actual equipment?

tiggapooh

Wow, I think I'll stick to my little ol' setup here that came with my systems. That way I won't have to worry about all those watts and tweeters an woffers, and all that jazz.