FWIW, I am using Monitor Audio system Apex 40 x 3 in front and Apex 10 (Apex more similar to MA Silver line than Gold) for rears in a surround system and this is working quite well for either 2.1 or 5.1. The B&W PV1-D sub is a critical component and a remarkable device, capable of handling both analog and digital inputs and digging deep. See system here for details https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/6241/edit
Speaker suggestions for saround sound.
Hi everyone I am currently looking to put a home theatre/ second two Chanel system in my basement, I have a used Cary sli-80 integrated amp for my left and right speakers. And a Yamaha av receiver for the other three Chanels. I found a deal on a totem forest souround 5.1 speaker setup for 2000$ all in on Craigslist. Or planing to go monitor audio gold 5.1 seytem. Or a B&w 704 s2. What would be a better option.