need 5 speaker setup; have 1200

Tell your friend to buy on recommendations and to not waste retailers time if he is not planning on purchasing from them. They are not there to let online shoppers help decide what speakers to buy used, they are there to provide service and advise real customers.

Without commenting on the points already made, I'd suggest your friend consider the PSB Alpha line. Another option is to contact Audio Advisor (Web: www.audioadvisor.com; phone: 1-800-942-0220) which sells several very good, inexpensive speakers, including the Sound Dynamics RTS-3, which has gotten very positive critical reviews. The RTS-3 is currently on sale at Audio Advisor for $200 per pair (normally $280/pr). They also have a sale price of $250 per pair on the Mission 771 (normally $400/pr). The third speaker on sale at AA for $500 (normally $750) is the JMLabs Opal 607, which would make good main speakers. Audio Advisor is an excellent retailer, and will provide your friend with very good advice plus a good price. The sale speakers are in limited supply, so your friend may want to act fairly soon if he's interested in any of these units.

Ignore the chippy responses above and chalk them up to the fact that many who post here work in the industry and have a financial axe to grind. An audio dealer, as much as any other business person, has an obligation to earn your patronage. I would not waste time going to a "high-end" audio salon given that you are looking for HT gear and your stated budget, as you are likely only to encounter more of the attitude of entitlement displayed above and shabby treatment. What do you think has driven so many of these dealers out of business?

Regarding your initial query, I would say that A-Gon is not the place to look for such gear as 5.1 speaker packages seldom appear here and buying multiple sets of speakers in the same finish is problematic. I second Sdcampbell on the Mission suggestion and would also add the KEF Crestas as a low price yet decent sounding alternative. Buying from Audio Advisor gives piece of mind via their return guarantee, although at a price premium. If you know that you definitely want a specific package without the return option, you can generally find a lower price on Yahoo Shopping.

Another option would be to dump the whole $1200.00 on a great pair of stereo speakers. You would be surprised how far down the road that will get you. Most audiophile minded people would start there, and then add on piece by piece. This is a slow going process but one that will pay off in the long run.

One plus is having more time to think, research and save for your next purchase.

Anyway, just some food for thought :~)

Glen has the idea. Sometimes less is more.