For the money, Best set up for HT and music


I have been reading for about a year; about all the different equipment you can buy to make the sound be the best it can be. I know it sounds extreme, but I want a good starter that I can build on.
He is my history (you can skip this if you like I'll put separator in front of my question)
I'm not super rich, but I do have a crazy love for music, unfortunately I'm young and haven't had enough time to build wealth to build on this hobby. Originally I was looking for the best surround sound (5.1, 7.1) for music and home theater. I came to the conclusion after a while that the Denon 2808ci would provide exactly what I wanted and give me room to grow in the future. I figured with this receiver I could pair it up with KEF 3007 5.1 speakers. I then found that, this might not be ideal. I have picked and matched other speakers and receivers, but at this point I've read so much I've become lost. So if anyone could help it would be much obliged.
------------------
In my (short story above if you didn't read) I originally picked the Denon 2808ci for my receiver and KEF 3007 5.1 speaker system. From what I've read though, a 2.1/3.1 might best fit my needs though for now; while optimizing my money.

What would be the best set up for 4500 or less for a nice sounding home theater and music combo. It seems seems 2 speakers, with a center and a sub would optimize the sound quality; but then others say the center won't be needed for the stage if you position the two speakers correctly.

Sorry for the epic writing, but your help would greatly be appreciated, if you need any other details I'll gladly post. By the way, the living room is 18x18; unfortunately wood floors, but I suppose I could get an area rug.

Thanks so much in advance for your help and again sorry for the epic read.
bluvision
Having just gone through this exercise with a family member, here is my advice. Since you didn't mention anything about a screen, I will assume you have that under control.

1. I would buy a used HT receiver. So much more machine for the money. Don't worry about HDMI capability for the receiver in a starter system - go for current and wattage. Pick it up, if it weighs a lot, buy it. Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer and Yamaha all make decent HT receivers. Some Sonys sound OK too.

2. I would look for a source known for having decent redbook CD playback, get a used Denon 29XX model or higher DVD player, a used NAD or Cambridge Audio DVD player. Or, get a new Oppo DV 980H (a whopping $169 NEW). If you are getting a screen bigger than 40", you will want to get a HDMI capable player (like the Oppo) to appreciate full 1080p HD picture on up-converted DVDs. Stay away from Blueray players for now as the cost to sound quality ratio is currently way out of whack.

3. Get used speakers too if possible. I would go for full range front speakers, either high quality budget monitors with a sub or decent budget floor standers depending on your available space. One consideration, the monitor sub combo is more versatile for listening to stuff blow up in HT mode.

Get a used or new center speaker that is a decent sonic match for the two front speakers. I would not bother to go for 7.1 sound at this point, so try to find rear speakers that are a good match for the rest - but focus on getting the front pair right if music is your first love, and build the rest of your system around that. There are always a lot of B&W speakers available used online, so you could mix and match used and new models as available and within budget without going wrong. KEF makes good audio and HT speakers. Monitor Audio and Era Design are two other manufacturers that come to mind as well, and some people rave about Definitive Technology speakers for HT and Music, they sound OK but I don't like the way they look.

Finally, Aperion Audio makes a good sub for not too much maoney as well (http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx).

Good luck.
Thank you so much for your response, its funny you should mention Aperion because that was the other speakers I was looking at.

I do have a 46'' Samsung, its just the music/movie part I'm working on now.

It's just hard balancing both, you almost need two different systems it seems, one for music and one for action packed movies. I'm really big into bass.

Do you think an additional amplifier is needed on top of the receiver?

Thank you again so much for your help!
Post removed