Oldhvymec has some good advice. Slowly building a dedicated 2ch system is a great idea. Get yourself set up with the basics,and build up from there as funds allow. Sometimes budgets force us into compromises. I think you can set up a nice sounding system in your basement. Will it be a drop ceiling,or drywall? We had our basement finished about three years ago. It’s an odd shaped room,about 25’x 18’ at its widest point. This room was strictly used as TV/Movie room. I set up a 5.4 ch HT system. (Currently only running 2 subs. I’ll be adding 2 more when funds allow. I ran all wires before the insulation and drywall went up.)
Recently I set up another 2.1 ch system in the room. I set the speakers up on the 25’front wall. We have no acoustic treatments up. There is only furniture and w2w carpet. I’m absolutely shocked that it sounds as good as it does. You might be in a trial and error situation. Try your speakers on a long wall,then try them on a shorter wall. You’ll probably know right away which placement is better,and then go from there. Best of luck!
Recently I set up another 2.1 ch system in the room. I set the speakers up on the 25’front wall. We have no acoustic treatments up. There is only furniture and w2w carpet. I’m absolutely shocked that it sounds as good as it does. You might be in a trial and error situation. Try your speakers on a long wall,then try them on a shorter wall. You’ll probably know right away which placement is better,and then go from there. Best of luck!