Before I start on the steps I am taking to acquire my system, I would like to explain my housing situation.  I live in an apartment, which means no drilling of walls, running of cables through the attic, and (supposedly) no tearing up of carpet.  This limits how awesome a surround sound system can be, as cables will be all over everywhere, and no speakers can be mounted.  At least, these things shouldn't happen if I want my deposit back.  More on that in the future...

The main living area is roughly ten by fifteen feet, rectangular, with a fireplace along the south wall (long wall).  The east wall is actually a window looking out onto the patio, and it causes a significant glare on the tv.  The couch is along the north wall, and the tv is in the southwest corner.  Here is a picture: