Ok, so this isnt ~just~ about the center channel, but thats what I was thinking of when I started writing the post...

I'm getting closer to actually making a purchase. Christmas Bonus actually arrives in February for me and I'm trying to figure out plans.

I've figured out what I'm getting if Bonus sucks.
I've figured out what I'm getting if Bonus blows my mind.

Where I'm having issues is the middle ground so I'm asking for your opinions here. Given my low-end and high-end below, which componants would you guys upgrade if you could only choose one? How about two?

Suck Bonus:
- Denon 1709 (80W / ch)
- M2s
- VP100
- QS4
- Outlaw LFM-1 Compact

Mind Bending Bonus
- Denon 2309 (100W / ch)
- M22s
- VP150
- QS8s
- Outlaw LFM 1 EX

My room is approximately 10x20x9, but the listening area is about half that at approx 10x10x9

Opinions appreciated
snazzed

I would take the M22 over the M2s. The M22 are really, really good. I would actually take 2xM22s before 2xM2+VP100 (using a phantom channel) until I could afford the center later on.
That was my 2 cents!

I'll second that.

Middle Ground Bonus
- Denon 890 (105W / ch)I'm assuming your stuck on Denon, but consider Pioneer and Onkyo as they have some real value recievers, this coming from a Yamaha guy
- M22s
- VP100
- QS4s

No matter what you have, go with the M22's. Find the money or wait but I think you'll really appreciate you did. I'm just finishing up on my friends install and he has the M22, VP150, QS8's, EP350.

My opinion on his room which is larger that yours is the following:

M22 - Absolutely the right choice bar none. (Actually, I'm barring floor standers)
VP150 - Overkill. Nice, but the VP100 would have been enough.
QS8 - Great surround. I've never heard the QS4's, but I'm going to guess the extra for the M22 is better spent than 4's to 8's
EPS350 - Great value for this sub. I'm surprised it doesn't get talked about more. You should consider it.

First, I would go with 22's regardless, as the others say. I would also at a minimum go with a Denon 1910/790, or 2310/890 if possible. I would put as much money into a good receiver that will last you say 5 - 7 years. I say this because there is not much point in stretching big time on the speakers and going with a cheaper receiver, because Axioms upgrade program is excellent and you will lose a lot less upgrading speakers than the receiver in say, a year or two.

Then, upgrade the sub

Next, upgrade the center

Lastly, the surrounds

I don't know how many would agree with me, but the Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH (the cheapest of the Elites) IMO, seems to be an excellent receiver for the 8 ohm loads. I have excellent sound coming from my M22's with this receiver. Although I paid $630 from a Best Buy store, I know you can get it a lot cheaper online.

Just my 3 cents worth (due to inflation).

Another vote for the M22's. I'd also opt for the QS8's over the 4's due to their higher power handling and slightly better range.

I would go Denon 2809(refurb - ecost), M22s, VP100, QS4s(prefer 8s but either one works great) and the Outlaw. I am recommending the higher end receiver due to amp preouts in the event you ever want to get M80s and/or want to try seperate amps, upgradeitis being as catchy as it is. The sonic difference between the VP150 and VP100 is very little and cost wise it is not really worth the difference in small to medium size rooms, IMO.

Any way I am sure you see the pattern, get the M22s, they are worth the money spent over any other speaker in your system. I would get 3 for LCR if you can run a vertical center

I'm not stuck on Denon, but I do have a strong preference. I know where to get their B-Stock (which is why I'm looking at a 2009 Model) which is a great price and includes Warranty. If anyone can tell me where to get Pioneer or Onkyo B-Stock, official with Warranty, not Grey Market, I would certainly be interested!

I'll wait for more comments before I respond on Speakers.

Thanks!
snazzed