Advise on 7.1 Channel Surround System & Speaker

Have your needs been met I would like to show you some photos of what I have.

E.C.Speakers
Model - Classic 2

audiophileconsultant at yahoo

For the best 7.1 effect all the speakers should match. Unless you have a huge room you don't need to spend $10K it's just TV and the audio quality is all over the place. You could spend the rest of your budget on a great Clearaudio turntable or PS Audio's new Direct Stream DAC.

I helped select and installe a nice system, in an 18'X24'X8' room, that has pleanty of headroom for less than half that amount.

Two JL Audio 10" E-subs

Seven Pioneer SP-C22 Center channel speakers. (One of the best deals currently in audio)

Denon AVR-S-900W (Here the room correction gets better the higher up you go. Personally I like the presentation of the Pioneer Elite receivers).

Don't forget the 7.1 Bluray production of Master and Commander. This has some very good 7.1 content.

Have fun

I don't suppose that the Bose Wave would fit your needs...

I agree with the KEF LS55 suggestion, but I'd be inclined to skip the processor and let an Oppo 105 or 105D do speaker management and volume control. I'd buy two subs.

Do you really want rear channels? I rarely turn on the amp that drives the rear speakers.

db

I'd suggest going with B&W, Revel, or Paradigm in addition to KEF. These are all good, safe bets and offer various price points. For a receiver (I assume you don't want separates) I'd suggest Yamaha, Marantz, or Pioneer. If you would consider separates then give Emotiva a go. You'll get good value there with a pre-pro and better amplification than any processor. For sub, try going with dual subs. SVS offers exceptional values there. You can get two of their top of the line subs for about 3k. I'd suggest breaking out your budget for a 7.2 setup that is 3k for subs, 5k for speakers, and 2k for a receiver or pre-pro and 7-channel amplification. I personally would go for a pre-pro or receiver with room correction and I would not do the speaker management in the BluRay player. The addition of room correction is a huge factor. And one last tidbit, you can also go for a receiver that offers pre-outs and buy a good amplifier for the front L and R channels.