Want to setup basic home audio system

thecarpathian: 
One of the few great decisions I've made all year was to sign up with this forum. Never have I thought in a million years so many people would help me out and, not once, had anyone replied back negatively or in a rude manner. What an awesome community this is! I feel like this should forum should become an annual in-person event in like say, Vegas?
Regarding the Ascends, I will keep that in mind in the event I see someone selling it near my area. I did see sierra 1's with cbm-170s for sale on offermeup few months back. It must be that good if alot of forums online are talking about it!

I agree that Mr. Jolly is one cool person with some serious gear! 

Unfortunately, not all threads are as smooth and positive as this one.
They can become quite contentious and nasty. A lot of personality clashes.
Still, the majority are quite informative with guys who really know their stuff.
Also, A lot of guys who THINK they know their stuff.
I am neither. My audio knowledge is quite limited. 
Take your time finding speakers. Check power handling and sensitivity.
Make sure it is compatible with your amp.
And enjoy.

This may be the single most positive thread I've read on this forum since I became addicted to it ten months ago! 

  +1 panzrwagn
Regarding using Blu-tac for mounting stand mounts. That was my former go to for putting stand mount speakers on stands, brilliant stuff and helps stop ringing.

@diripio...Similar, yes. But in this case, more focused on 'distilling' uniform response from the speakers in your space.

The fact that it's nearly square can create 'issues'.  You don't note the ceiling height; assuming it's the 'typ. 8' h.' makes it easy to 'overdrive' the space.
You might as well sit inside the woofer's enclosure....I'm not surprised the Marshall 'rules the room', even at low levels...
They do that.... ;)
Better to concentrate on uniform response at lower levels; you'll be surprised at the details that easily get 'blown away' and missed.

Some room treatment ought to be in your future.  Refer to the forums and the websites that deal with that, and listen carefully to the room as you proceed.
Some here will claim that the space is half the equation.
In a small room...they're right, but best approached with patience.

You will have to listen like you've never attempted before.
Don't stress over it....this is supposed to be fun, after all.  ;)

Have @ it, J