7.1 SETUP

Apparently Tekton Design has a new HT package using Pendragon speakers for $6500. These speakers have gotten *rave* reviews and are also very efficient. I would think this setup would be *killer* with your receiver...

-RW-

In that price range, you should look at the new Revel Performa3 line. First impressions are off the charts from users and dealers. You may also want to seriously consider some direct to consumer brands. SVS and Emotiva both have speaker lines right within budget and at that budget you'd be able to get a full speaker package plus sub that would do great. You can also consider Golden Ear. They are probably pretty good for HT user but I was disappointed when listening to the brand for 2-channel.

Have you considered using active speakers? I have set up a 5.1 HT system for my mom in 2011 as Christmas gift. It included a Marantz AV7005 processor, five Focal CMS-50 active speakers, and a Focal CMS sub. The connections from the processor to the speakers were all fully balanced cables. The whole package costed about $5600 new at that time. After adjusting the room correction in the Marantz, the result was quite spectacular. If your budget is limited, you can replace the two real speakers with the smaller Focal CMS-40. Or if your budget allows, you can add two more CMS-40 to the side to make it 7.1 and/or add an extra CMS sub to make it 7.2 or 5.2.

Thanks all for the help. I'm quite interested in the tekton option. Will have to see if I have room available. Sidssp I am leaning towards the theta amp you have to drive the system. I have considered the exact active option you mention. My issue is I swap pieces in and out for fun and fear that would prove challenging with actives.

Looking into the Tekton options, in your size room, I would recommend the Lore as your main speakers, and the m-lore as the surround. I have a very large room (35' x 15' x 8') and I am using the m-lore as surround speakers and they are excellent. Add a sub (Tekton offers some) and you would have a killer HT system that would sound excellent with 2 channel as well.