Best HT starter system?

Go to harmanaudio and look at their Factory Remanufactured receivers.I suggest the 340Z for about $350. The main difference between newer and older receivers is how up to date the switching of video sources is. If you do that elsewhere (like at your TV), then you can save a lot by buying an older receiver.
If your room is not too large the Sound Dynamics RTS-3 is an excellent low priced speaker. This might even leave you enough for a sub.

Maybe a used Denon AVR 3800, or AVR 3802 for a receiver. Definitve Technology towers with buit in subs. Buy used for very resonable prices. Lots of bang for the money.

for speakers, think used. You should search the archives here for recommendations in your budget range. Now and then you can find Vandersteen 2C listed for ~$400 or so. Some older Paradigm may be a good value too (I have an old pair of Paradigm 7se that are quite nice considering they're not worth much). I'm sure there are others worth considering. If you get floor standers you'll want to shop for something here or on ebay that you can pick up locally. I wouldn't get a center channel speaker now - just set your receiver to "Virtual center". You can get a way with using your yamaha for rears, but you will want to consider replacing them with speakers of the same brand as your fronts eventually. If/when you add a center channel speaker it's critical that it matches your mains - more critical than it is to for the rears to match. This should be a consideration when you purchase your mains. Otherwise purchase your mains now with the intention of selling later and replacing them with a full matched 5.1 system.

Finally, if you haven't subscribed to the Audiogon Bluebook, you should. It's a great research tool that's worth the cost.

Thanks for all the help!

As far as the component switching, I have a new Sony Bravia 46' LCD, and do all of my switching there, so it's not an issue. That being said, should I consider an older HT receiver (more bang for the buck)?

Also, I was considering the DM603's for the front and eventually building that into a full system w/ the 601's, etc.
Good idea or not?

Hi Loki.

Several years back, I put together a 5.1 system for my ex-wife: 603s up front and 601s in the rear. They were driven by a Yamaha 100w x 5 avr. This was in a room a little smaller than yours. The B&Ws are excelent. Problem is, I don't think there is a matching center channel speaker. I used a large Polk center which does okay w/ the 603s.

For a receiver, you might look for a used Onkyo 605 or, much better, an 805.

Mike

if i had $750 to spend, and planned to switch video directly thru the tv, i'd get on ebay with the view to the following:
1. $150-200 or so for an older 5.1 or receiver; i'm partial to integra and marantz;
2. $50-100 for a denon dvd-2800 or integra dvd player, both great sounding units, albeit without the latest video upconversion;
3. $300 for bookshelf speakers, either energy (C-1 or C-3) or psb (maybe alpha or image series). the idea would be to add floorstanders (or additional bookshelves) and centers as budget permitted, then use the bookshelves as rears. both these brands are great sounding and easy to match;
4. $100-150 or so for a 100w subwoofer from a quality mfr. (e.g. energy, mirage, paradigm).
5. with whatever pocketchange i'd buy modest cables from ar, blue jean, etc. partsexpress, for example, is blowing out perfectly good belkin cables for next to nuthin.