I've got a few friends with the HTIB curse. When/if they ask me about upgrades, I usually point them at an inexpensive (<$300) receiver and the Epic Midi as a good starting point. They have invariably balked at the price. Anyone else had this experience? How would you approach people who are used to surround sound for less than $500 about spending $1500 for decent surround sound? If they wouldn't spend it, what would you recommend instead?

I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!