Some guidance please?

Colyerdogoff,

I have a Denon model 3801 that I use for the HT set up. My front speakers are B&W 602 series 2 with the complimenting B&W 6 cc in the center. The two back channels are B&W 301. This configuration works very well for me and you should be able to pick up everything used for under a grand. Of course you should always audition them first at your local B&W dealer.

1-your amp will make a world of difference
2-don't skimp on the sub. A good sub will handle the bass tracks plus the low bass for all 5/7 speakers.
3-Decide on where you need the speakers-wall mount, stand mount, bookshelf, near walls, (most sound best away from walls, what size is your room......
4-used is usually great as long as you don't mind used. New depriciate 50% right out of the box. Polk depriciate more than that.
5-I love my set-up, which you could easily afford: 5 soliloquy sat-5's (new $400 each, used or B-stock $200 each), velodyne uld 15 sub(new $1995, used $400). $1400 for a $3000 set-up works for me and is probably pretty standard to what you can find out there.
Try:
jeffssoundvalues.com
tsto.com
hififarm.com
jmsound.com
hcmaudio.com
echohifi.com
audioadvisor.com
upscaleaudio.com
many more too.......

Viridian, you seem like quite the witty character. I was about to dismiss your advice until I read some of your feedback. You're obviously a knowledgeable audio enthusiast(and a bit of a comedian). I always thought Denon made very good receivers. Why do you think differently? Any speaker would be completely safe in my house. I prefer dogs to cats and at 31, I know better than to push the tweeters in.(my girlfriend keeps asking me if I'm ever going to grow up!)

As usual you're getting some good advice here. I second the Canadian speaker recommendation. PSB, Paradigm, Pinnacle (I don't know why they all start with P - it's a Canadian thing eh?) - all excellent values that you can drive easily with the receiver you have.
Now - Size - yes size matters, but in different ways than you might think (ask your girlfriend and push in her tweeters while you're at it) No you're not ever going to grow up - get over it already.
Large speakers usually mean better bass, while smaller, stand mounted speakers usually have better imaging. You already have a sub, so maybe smaller speakers (called monitors) could be your thing. They take up less floor space, are less obtrusive looking and often are better for music.
PSB used to have the Stratus Mini, which was superb - you could get two of those, a C6i center and some Alpha's for the rear and be way under $2k, and have a great sounding system to boot. Oh, and they're easier to ship. 100lbs of speaker costs a fair sum to ship.
Put some $ into decent cable, and you're ready to go.
have to agree about Polks - not a bad speaker but sinks about as fast as Big Pussy on the Sopranos price wise - as does Definitive Technology, which might be something to consider for a real theater speaker - flabby uncontrolled self powered built-in subs - dreadful for music, but fine for your next blow-em-up action film.

If you do decide to plunge into the used market for speakers, you might also want to consider trying to go for local pickup. It beats the heck out of shipping damage, you get to see them just before you hand over your cold hard cash (not that there have ever been grading disputes here ;~), and you know they didn't get thrown off the truck at the end of your driveway.

I've been very lucky in my limited experience - shipped speakers arrived just fine, and driving to pick up some other (and larger) pairs worked wonderfully, too (though I'm still paranoid about the shipping and figure it's just a matter of time until the luck runs out). And the best part about pickup? I've met a couple of the absolutely finest class acts you could ever imagine - worth the trip! (And I agree w/ those Paradigm, PSB, etc. comments, too - they can be a great combo w/ a 3805). Good luck!

Colyerdogoff,

I will second the recomendation of the B&W 600 Series which can be had in your price range new. They are larger monitors so you will need stands and don't forget deecent speaker wire. A friend has the Denon and the 600 series with very good results.

I just wanted to thank you all for your input. You have certainly pointed me in the direction I think I want to go. I went to the local high end audio store and auditioned a set of Paradigm Reference Monitors. I was impressed with the sound quality to price ratio. I felt the highs were a bit muffled though(my only complaint). It was certainly something I could live with. Then I went directly to the B&W room. After 30 seconds of pure sonic bliss, I was like Parawho? The Paradigms seemed like a well enough speaker, but the highs in the B&W's were so much more crystal clear to me. I've heard some say that B&W's aren't good for rock music. I think they'll work superbly for my applications.
I'm a big Offspring fan, so naturally I took one of their CD's with me. I was completely unprepared for the sound quality of these speakers. I politely excused myself and picked my jaw up off the floor! It sounded like Dexter Holland was belting out line after line right in front of me.
I may have gotten myself into a bit of trouble here. I think this might be comparable to a heroin addiction!
I've decided on the B&W DM603 S3's for the front, an LCR600 S3 center and the DM 601 S3's for surround. An SVS 20-39 PC+ will compliment the low end. I'll do a Denon 3805 for now to run everything. I'm not ready for pre amps and amps yet. Although I can see them in the distant horizon.
Again thanks a million everybody. If anybody has any of the above B&W equipment, I would be more than happy to take it off your hands.

Rich

Colyerdogoff

Hope you have many hours of listening enjoyment.

Michael

Colyerdogoff, How about the Canadian Paradigm or energy speakers? There a great bang for the buck.