For speakers, I've chosen to go with a 2.1 system. Possibly upgrade to 3.1

Option 1:

Link - NHT SuperZero 2.0 and Super 8 combo $499

Link - NHT Absolute Center Channel Speaker $299

Total of $798

Option 2:

Link - HSU Value 2 package $599 for 2.1    $799 for 3.1

Option 3:

Link - NHT SuperPower 2.1 Desktop System $749

Things to note:

- The HSU speakers are bigger and have a higher sensitivity so I'll be able to push them louder than the NHTs

- HSU would cost $100 more for the 2.1 system but would be the same for the 3.1 system 

- HSU sub goes deeper (25 Hz as opposed to 37 Hz from the NHT) so it would be more boom-tastic :)

- Option 3 wont need to have an amplifier (save some money) but it wont be very upgradeable

As for amplifiers, I've looked around at Denon and other brands and I'm thinking the $200 range would be good.

Also my room will be about 15' x 15'

Some questions I have:

- Is the center channel worth it/necessary ? ( I dont really know how loud these things can get )

- Right now I would be spending $1 on an amplifier for every $4 on speakers. Is that a good ratio?

- Is it a good idea buying these at all? Knowing I will be living in my fraternity house with lots of drunk people. (not very theft proof either)

- What about a Soundbar? Can a nicer one compare to these? (for example: get 1 Paradigm Cinema 400 and pair it with a sub)

Thoughts?

Playing an electric guitar through a good stereo system is a really bad idea.

IMO you need to do a lot more "homework".

You seem to be more concerned with volume than quality. Therefore, none of your choices in speakers is suitable. 

If you want loud with lots of boom buy some Cerwin Vega's and be done with it.

Be advised that the lowest note on a four string electric bass is 41.7Hz.

If you want "good" sound get of your butt and audition some speakers at a B&M store. Buying speakers you haven't heard is like having a mail order bride you've never seen, not even a picture. It's the quickest easiest way to get speakers that are not suited for your purpose and that you don't like.

Desktop systems are generally designed to be used with a computer. High quality sound is usually not part of the package.

Thanks for the response.

I was never planning on playing guitar through the speakers. What I want is to play music through them and play along with my guitar. I already have a guitar amp that I would use. Sorry for the misconception there.

Also when I say I want something loud, I just want to be able to play near party volumes without lots of distortion. (Not necessarily super loud)

With that cleared up, do you still think my choices are bad?

I've also been looking at cheaper 5.1 systems and those might be good enough.

Energy 5.1 Home Theatre System  -  Klipsch HD500 5.1 HT system

This can't be stated enough. Looking at stereo gear without listening is IMO worthless for decision making.

I'll take that to heart. Thanks for your help