I read something recently about getting surround sound out of a 2.1 channel system.   If you don't want to spend the $$$ for a beefier system, you can get surround sound without rear channel speakers. Some 2.1 Channel systems use special decoders to create the illusion of  multichannel surround sound effects using just the two front speakers and a subwoofer. Basically, it's a 2.1 channel system using  5.1 channel decoders combined with special digital circuits that simulate the sound of rear channel speakers. This review I was reading said it was so convincing that you'd turn your head when you heard a virtual sound coming from behind you.   Sounds like a nice compromise between $$ and sound. ... View more