i am about to embark on setting up a new HT in my basement. I would love some input on possible solutions based on the size of my space and my price constraints. The actual room size is 14' x 19', but the set up would be located at one end, facing the longer wall. (approx 9' from seated location to front of screen)

I have a couple of questions regarding Receiver:

If I cannot place a 3rd surround directly behind, do I still want to invest in 6.1? or even 7.1? I currently have an older sony receiver that is 5.1, but have never truly used it for surround HT, only music.

If I were going to spend $500 - $700 on a Reciever, what would you recommend?

For my DVD player, I currently have an older Denon DVD 1500. would I notice quality difference in upgrading this piece?

For speakers, after reading posts on here, am thinking the following:

M-50's (should I go with 60's instead based on room size?)

VP150

QS4's

EP175 for sub

please let me know what you think - any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ron

My room size is about exactly the same size, with the monitor in the middle of one of the longer walls. My couch is against the opposite wall, with QS8's mounted on that wall on either side of a window above the couch. This is my first HT setup, and I'm quite pleased with 5.1. Not sure if a 6.1 or 7.1 setup would work in my room, but I don't feel a need for it.

I have M60's, VP100, and an SVS PBI-1SD sub. Sound is fantastic. I got a Yamaha RX-V1400 receiver online for about $600. Here's my first post after I got my system set up, with a link to some photos further down the thread.

Ron -I left some info on ecost for the receiver on the other post you made. The 1804 would be an excellent choice for driving the set up you are looking at (you'll save about $200 based on the ecost price). The 1804 is 6channel and the 2803 is 7 channel. If you will have them for a while, 7 channel would be good (not much 7 channel audio out there right now), but not required.

I've got the M60s (recommended) the VP100 (excellent speaker) and the QS8s (the Q4s would work well if $$ are a concern).

Don't skimp on the sub - get the most you can afford. The HSU STF-2 would be a very efficient and cost effective choice. Also consider the larger Axiom subs. Then there's my favorite - the SVS line.

Good luck with it. You are working right in the sweet spot.

thanks much. i'll take a look at the ecost site. after reading posts on here, i had modified my sub choice to an HSU STF-2. for the size of room i have, do you think the extra money for the VP150 is worth it?? i was leaning toward going lighter price wise on the surround speakers, and putting more money into the center.

I pondered that choice as well. What my research told me (and backed up with a conversation with Joe at Axiom) was that the only downside with the VP100 is the comparison to the 150. Joe commented that the 100 is in the M60 package because the M60s add to the front soundstage nicely with the VP100.

Having said that, my experience with the VP100 has been stellar. Haven't had a single second thought. Also - more $$ then become available for other stuff.