Need suggestions for speakers, processor and amp

are the soliloquy 5.0's ported?
could they be used as well?

yes, the 5.0's are rear ported. I think the Sat5 would work great in the 17.5 x 20ft room, but I'm not sure about the larger room unless you put them on stands closer to your seating position. Regardless, in the larger room the 5.0 would work better.

I think that if you go with Soliloquy, you need to work it out with the wife if you get the basement or not. Because, with a room that size (basement)I would opt for atleast the 5.0 monitors or better yet, one of the floorstanders with the 5.0 as rears. But those rear ports would be BAD inside a cabinet. Also, the C3 center is rear ported, basicly a shrunken 5.3

Don't know what your plan is for video, but with a basement that size with no windows I would take a serious look at front projection.

First a couple thoughts about your room and speaker placement. Are you planning on having drapes on that right side with the 15' of windows? Strongly recommend it, otherwise you will have to contend with an overly bright sound. Glare will also likely be a problem during daytime TV viewing (football Saturdays and Sundays). My room is similar and drawable drapes proved a necessity. Similarly, heavy carpeting, or at least rugs with pads and upholstered furniture are important too.

Whatever speakers you ultimately go with do not put them inside the cabinets, you'll destroy the sound quality. Most speakers should be placed several feet from the rear wall and side walls. Check this cardas site (the cable folks)for guidance on speaker placement:

http://www.cardas.com/insights/index.html

The Cardas "Golden Rule" would place speakers over 7' from the rear wall and almost 5' from side walls in your room! Use this as a starting point, and if your wife objects compromises will be in order ;).

I'm not familiar with the Soliloquy speakers but know the Spendor line well. Have heard the Jamos and my advice is to stay away given your 70% music mix. Of the Spendor line suggest the SP1/2s or SP100s - do a search for reviews or check their US distributor's site (www.qsandd.com)and www.audioreview.com.

Besides being among the most musical speakers (IMHO), they do a beautiful cabinetry job. The natural cherry or walnut should be easy to match with your cabinetry. They also make a center speaker and subwoofer, although you won't need a sub for the SP-100s, and may not with the SP1/2s - you can always add one later if you feel the need based on your listening tastes. I assume you have heard the Spendors somewhere since they are on your list. They just introduced a new "S" line that I have not heard so you should listen to them if you can - indeed don't buy any speakers that you can't audition, ideally in your own home.

As for electronics, a number of manufacturers introducted new products at CES last week, so if you're timetable isn't pressing it might pay to wait for the new products to be reviewed, either by the "professional" reviewers or by contributors to Audiogon - or again by auditioning products yourself ideally.

If you have any questions feel free to drop me a private email.

Doug