Hello everyone,

I recently started reading up on home theater equipment. I try to do some research before I make any large purchase! Here is my situation. My budget is $2000-$2500 for speakers and receiver. Split would be something around 70% music (mainly rock, some jazz) 30% movies. I would love to do a 5.1 system, but my budget and room configuration make that a difficult thing to do well. Also note that I just moved to FL from CT, and I am renting the house for now, so I do not want to design something specifically for this space seeing that I will be moving in the future. So I believe a 2.1 or 3.1 systems is my best option. The layout is below (not to scale). The family room area is approximately 15x15 but opens up to the kitchen etc., and ceilings are 10Ft throughout. So, I am looking for suggestions for speakers and receivers to fit my room and budget. I am hoping to spend some time listening to speakers in the next couple of week, but it may come down to recommendations and reviews followed by an in home trial. I like what I've been reading about the Polk RTI A series, and they look great too! Looks are important, but not as important as sound. What does everyone suggest??

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o144/fiziksgeek/room.jpg

For your needs, you should be looking at getting a receiver, set of main speakers, and a subwoofer. When you find a permanent residence get the center and surround speakers (center + mains doesn't really buy you anything without the surround speakers). I am a big fan of monitor speakers + subwoofer in this price range (vs. a set of floorstanding speakers). In your price range, my favorite main speakers for music are PSB and Paradigm... others will chime in with their recommendations. As you mention in your post, be sure to listen before buying! I'd suggest budgeting about $500 for the receiver, $1k for the subwoofer and $1k for the main speakers (+ stands). IMO subs below $800 or so start to sound muddy or don't have enough bass extension for my taste.

Thanks for the response Greg_R. I was sort of leaning the way you suggest, a 2.1 system. Let me ask one more thing; which is more safe, a set of towers or monitors on stands?? I have a 15 month old little girl running around, and would hate to see a 20lb speaker fall on her head. My thought would be that a floor standing speaker would be a bit more stable. Also, if I would have to put some money into a good quality stand, would that money be better spent toward a set of floor standers? So much to consider.....