OTHER TECH

2.MONEY MATTERS Set a realistic budget for your new system. The test reports in Sound & Vision will give you a good starting point for what gear is likely to cost - just keep in mind that actual selling prices are almost always less than list prices. Neither the bottom nor top of the line is usually right for most people. You can assemble a great system by shopping in the middle of the line.

Decent 5.1-channel surround speaker packages (sans electronics) start around $600, with lots of options in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. As your budget goes up, you'll get into models with larger, better-performing drivers, graduate from small bookshelf speakers to towers (at least in front), and see cabinets with real wood veneers.

If you decide to buy a separate subwoofer and satellite speakers instead of a complete system, you'll find that a good sub can eat up half (or more) of your speaker budget - starting around $350. More money equals more output (louder) and more impact (lower).

The receiver is the heart, mind, and soul of your system, so don't skimp on it. While models start as low as $300, you should probably avoid buying the cheapest one. Since everything plugs into the receiver, the additional inputs offered on more expensive models should be incentive enough for paying at least a little more up front.

If you're not going to significantly improve the performance of your existing system, why bother upgrading? You'd be better off saving a little longer until you can afford a system really worth owning.