it all depends on what you want i na system. the onkyo HTIB's are kic kass i did some installs on the highest i think the htsr 901 its AMAZING the quality of the sound was just shockign and we didnt even have them set up just lined them up next to the tv and ist sounded like we were in a movie theatre. that price tag is near 1000+ but WELL worth it. Bose has some excellent sound quality for there surround systems. but it all depends if you want to make your own or buy a htib
me personally i cant afford onkyo as much as i want it im going to go all sony and not buyign a htib i have 4 bookshelf speakers that sound alright, im gettign the sa-w2500 subwoofer and a sony center channel speaker. and for my reciever the sony strdg500 i believe it is. im using it mostly for the dual HDMI ports because my tv only has one :'( but thats my .02 (i used to work at Circuit City heh)edit: i almost forgot denon also is a really good one like JiM P said denon is right up there near Onkyo
edit again: and remember always use monster cable !! lol