Novice trying to design a system for a loft

Quontoc,
I did a search in the discussions link and it returned 57 hits.enjoy...........
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr_srch.pl?&1&procsrch&3&4&

I wish I had your dilemma. My only suggestion is that you budget $500 - $1K for acoustic treatment of your space. You basically are living in a giant echo chamber, and no matter what you install, you are going to have issues with echoes/standing waves, reverb, etc.

There are lots of good choices out there. I would start with some acoustic panels and/or wall hangings made with acoustic absorbing material (not just foam). Good luck.

Thanks a lot for your input. This is a great site. I will go to someone who knows what they are doing, when it is time to pull the trigger. I do still have a few questions... and beg your pardon for my ignorance....

Does anyone know of a thread or site which explains the components needed and explains the function of the components needed to set up a quality system? With my research so far I understand the power cleaner, the avr ,quality wires and connections, the accostic treatment, and of course the speakers/subwoofer.

I am still a little fuzzy on the amp/pre amp. I understand the need to generate enough power to drive the speakers, but don't know if I need both or if the right avr will be satisfactory. When my neighbors have a rave (or whatever it is that they are up to on sunday at 1 am} it comes through loud and clear. Suffice it to say I don't need to peel the paint of the walls.

Is ther something else that I am missing?

Thanks

for those of you who responded outside the forum, thanks, but no thanks