Ventriloquist Vt-12 Home theater system

[pingpongdave]

Hello my Friends, yesterday I had the privilege of listening to the "Ventriloquist Vt-12 Home Theater system" and boy did it "Rock"!! I have previously considered the "Paradigm system 1" performance series. However taking into consideration my budget and the $$ I could save, without sacraficing "QUALITY" , "HSU" wins hands down.
I have been researching several name brand recievers and I am swayed toward the "Onkyo tx-sr 501" wheather that is 5.1 or 6.1 I do not recall, but if I remember correctly it would not matter because of the way the Vt-12 converts the 5.1 to 6.1 sound. Yes or No ? I must confess with it comes to Home Theater Systems I am a Rookie.
As far as Sub-Woofers go I am considering STF-1 or STF-2. If I go with the STF-2 that would be $100. over budget. Would me my wife and Children notice any differents between the two. I like Action movies like "Heat" "Saving Private Ryan" "Ronin" "Gladiator" "Brave Heart" , My wife likes The "Julia Roberts" type of movies-Chick Flicks! My children like of course Kids movies and GameCube.
What others accessaries would I need? Do I have to buy expensive type of Wires to connect the VT-12 system? HSU systems wires did not look Expensive. Your help would be appreciated, Thanks PPD

[Dudley]

The 501 is a 6.1 receiver.

[Sorny]

From my understanding, the ventriloquist setup works with either 5.1 or 6.1 receivers. You simply change the way you wire up the back speaker depending on 5.1 or 6.1 speaker terminals.

As far as the subwoofer part of your question, I'd suggest an STF-2 over the STF-1 for extension and output reasons. The STF-2 is a real bargain at the $400 price point. :D

On to the wire, I'd suggest a roll of 14 gauge wire from Parts Express (www.partsexpress.com), called "sound king" brand, or the 14 gauge wire at your local Home Depot or Lowes. I run 12 gauge wire from Lowes to my gear...

Sorny

[pingpongdave]

Thanks for the Info. guys! PPD