Speaker Questions

A "BIG +1" for the tweaks! (As mentioned in the above post)!

  And also "Room Treatments"! Those being (as) if not more important than those speaker "tweak" types of improvements as well!

Tons of those both, listed on this site!

I have been in the biz since before the first VCR went stereo/HiFi. The single biggest decision is the center speaker and the biggest feature there is to get either a 3-way with the tweeter above a midrange or get a coaxial/coincident driver. Otherwise the LCR blend will not be seamless. This matters equally for soundtracks and for music if you use surround sound. On your budget look at KEF Q Series and Paradigm Monitor Series. Look for used or closeouts of models that have the above. As JB said Polk makes above average HT speakers for the money, but no matter who’s making it a side by side 2-way CCS cannot produce a n image to match vertical L/Rs. Bookshelves are fine but then don’t skimp on the subwoofer. Denon is a dependable AVR maker, just find s closeout that sold for at least $800.00. 

What is your primary listening going to be? 90% HT 10% music. Once you figure this out we can help you get the best bang for your bucks. One thing I have found is if you compromise or settle for something like it sounds you are you will not enjoy your purchase. You will always be thinking what if. HT does not need to be a matched system you can mix and match with good results. If 2 channel music is priority look on eBay and others for some Vandersteen’s they work will for both. If the towers blow your budget you can add in the other pieces later but will never have to change out the vandy’s.

HiFiShark is a great resource for shopping for used equipment.     Personally in my opinion,  I think you'd be better off with buying used speakers and new electronics. Do you listen to records?   If not the BlueSound POWERNODE is an excellent choice for an amplifier.  Its a small box that has HDMI input for your TV's HT.  Its a streamer/amplifier with interface that you install on a tablet.    I'm guessing your wife would approve of its form factor.

Do you have pets?   My significant other has cats   I bought her used Canton speakers that have a metal grills and the POWERNODE.  Those speakers are pet proof.   

However these speakers would not be your best choice for HT.

The Polk S50 are popular speakers and have been reviewed at least a couple of times. Google "Polk S50 Review" and you will see at least two reviews. Both of these reviews are very detailed and positive. I would suggest that you place much more weight on these reviews than on the comments on this forum. There is an element of snobbery here where people who have never heard these speakers will trash them simply because they are a widely available mid priced brand.that doesn't cater to audiophile geeks.