Advice Wanted - Upgrading to 7.1/new speakers

[Pilam69]

Ok, I am going to bite the bullet. For Christmas I want to give the gift that keeps on giving....................to myself.

I am looking to build a quality 7.1 system to replace the one I have now (it's a bit dated and not the best quality). My preferences are first, speakers, I would rather buy speakers and no reciever if neccessary now (why upgrade the reciever if I can't hear it?). Second a reciever capable of lasting for awhile (in other words I don't want to upgrade again in 6-12 months). Third and finally, I don't want to break the bank here. I am willing to compromise a bit on price/quality to meet my needs.

Basically it boils down to this, what can give me the most bang for my holiday dollar?

I have been mainly looking at Polk and Boston Acoustic speakers at this point but I am wide open to suggestions and I KNOW this is the right place to ask this question. Dazzle me people!!