Looking for advice...

[maxmcleod]

Here is the setup I've found
I'm wanting to upgrade my setup and get it ready for lossless audio from my bluray player on my HTPC... so that means as of right now, my setup does not do lossless, since there aren't any hdmi soundcards out right now.
That's where im headed... for now I'm using optical.

http://www.hhgregg.com/ProductDetail...tID=19661#page

Is this a good deal for what I'm getting? or is there a better place to get this or very similar setup?

I personally like onkyo, don't really need the dvd player that comes with it, but couldn't find it without the player.

My other question is 7.1 worth my time? My room is laid out with the couch against the back wall, and I know the rear speakers for 7.1 are usually behind the seating... would inwall speakers behind the couch be good enough or would that be too close to the people sitting down?
would the two middle speakers, be right next to the couch on the sides? or further up in the middle of the room?

sorry for all the questions, but I thank you for the response in advance.