Since 80% of home theater sound (dialogue) comes through the center channel, I would focus on the center channel that makes the voices sound the clearest, and most accurate, TO YOU! Once you have found that speaker, it is fairly easy to match the fronts and rears to it as a package.
I have helped several people put together systems after they had spent a lot of money on components and speakers, only to be dissatisfed with the overall effect. In each case I started with the center channel and the end result was a much better, balanced, system. And, much happier people.
I have found that the easiest way to guide someone is to tell them the basics. Some people have stated that without good speakers, no quality sources will sound they way they are supposed too. Or, without good sources no speakeris going to sound the way it is supposed too.
If you have limited resources, ie money, then I would recommend that you start with the speakers. They will last much longer than most electronic components. After getting the best speakers that you can justify, you can then take your time to locate the best match of electronics for that set of speakers.
Ideally, you will be able to locate the speakers and the electronics at the same location and that will give you a chance to decide what you want long term, what the minimum combination you will need to meet your immediate needs, and what your long term goal will be.
For example, I spent more on what I believe to be the best sounding speakers, TO ME, now, and skimped on the AVR. I know that I will upgrade the AVR to a much better system in the future, but I since I auditioned the speakers with the electronics I want for the future, I know that it will sound very good.
I hope that you noticed that I emphasized TO YOU and TO ME. Because, it is what sounds best to you that matters.
I have helped several people put together systems after they had spent a lot of money on components and speakers, only to be dissatisfed with the overall effect. In each case I started with the center channel and the end result was a much better, balanced, system. And, much happier people.
I have found that the easiest way to guide someone is to tell them the basics. Some people have stated that without good speakers, no quality sources will sound they way they are supposed too. Or, without good sources no speakeris going to sound the way it is supposed too.
If you have limited resources, ie money, then I would recommend that you start with the speakers. They will last much longer than most electronic components. After getting the best speakers that you can justify, you can then take your time to locate the best match of electronics for that set of speakers.
Ideally, you will be able to locate the speakers and the electronics at the same location and that will give you a chance to decide what you want long term, what the minimum combination you will need to meet your immediate needs, and what your long term goal will be.
For example, I spent more on what I believe to be the best sounding speakers, TO ME, now, and skimped on the AVR. I know that I will upgrade the AVR to a much better system in the future, but I since I auditioned the speakers with the electronics I want for the future, I know that it will sound very good.
I hope that you noticed that I emphasized TO YOU and TO ME. Because, it is what sounds best to you that matters.