Hi, I am overwhelmed by the choices and wanted some feedback.

thanks alot

Dreaderus

What are your priorities? Movie soundtracks? Music? Both? (with compromises at this price point). How large is the space its being placed in and how loudly will you want to listen?(important factor).

All of the above should influence your decision. Once you define your priorities you can make an educated choice as to which system will meet those needs.

just looking for overall performance and sound quality, doesnt have to be incrediibly loud as the room is small, but nice and crystal clear, with good surround effects, mainly for movies and such. hockey games etc

I just picked up a Harmon Kardon AVR 135 receiver with 7 speaker package for just under 1200 at Future Shop.

So far I am very impressed with it.

My radical solution was to forget the receiver entirely and use a THX certified Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 digital speaker system.

The Z-5500 has more inputs and a remote. The Z-5450 has wireless rear surrounds.

I thought you said $ 1,000...

I would have suggested, well to others I will suggest the following from SVS:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs.cfm

The new SBS-01 system. Big bang for the buck... just like SVS subs.