How do I choose?!

If I go based on how I chose my General Contractor, it was less about budget and more about relationship and personality. However, both a/v guys are very likeable and I can foresee working with both of them. They carry different brands obviously and they each think that theirs are better than the others. One guy carries Runco, Marantz, JBL(!) and others and the other guy carries Runco too but likes Vidikron better, Triad, B&K and many others as well. They carry all the same lighting, security, and furniture.

Neither one wanted to delve too deeply into the project (ie: start designing the room) unless they were assured the contract (understandable, so we don't waste each other's time).

So, what do I base my decision on???

If you know what hardware you want to go with...Runco for example, contact them & the will refer you to a local dealer.

If (as in your case) you've narrowed it down to two local companies, get some client references & go check out the work & speak with the customer as to their satisfaction with the way the sales, install & after sale service have been.

Buy your own stuff and have them install it.

They don't want to be blamed for defective equipment after it has been installed.

and I'll install everything myself (I.e. have them run the wires I choose, have them come out in a certain place, but other than that I'll do everything).

Ben can you consider that? Have the pros wire speaker wire to maybe all possible locations to support 9.1 someday, and to the projector box, and leave it at that? It's not rocket science to hook everything up, so that's always an option.

I'm only suggesting that because you can then take your time auditioning all brands, and buy what you like.

Other than that, I guess listen/look at their different products, and go with who sells the products you prefer.