Bang for your Buck HT

Kelton: On the speaker issue there are so many differant tastes out there, and all of us have no idea on your budget. On the DVD- either Sony dvp s7700, or Pioneer elite dv-37 depending on your price point. On the receiver- forget Pioneer elite I used to own there top of the line, I sold it and bought Denon 5700 which blew it away in every category. Another real good brand of receivers are Marantz both receivers got good reviews also. An 18 x 24 room is pretty good size so you will need a receiver with some power to push. Look on Audiogon for what you want there is plenty to choose from and make it fun, that's what it's all about. Good Luck and remember-have fun.

I have a pair of B&W 601 D2 and the matching CC6 Center sitting my closet. 2 months old, used for 1 week as I upgraded to Nautilus 805. 50% of list price. email me at jerrygraydon@hotmail.com if interested. The serial numbers have not been registered yet at B&W, manuals included and perfect condition all, no scratches. They are sitting in plastic in my closet waiting for me to put up to auction.

If you don't want progressive scan, the pioneer elite dvd-05 has been a steal here on AG. I have one - very noticable upgrade from everything else and don't pay a fortune for the 09's Tank-like construction. I've owned a bunch of Dolby Dig. receivers. The B&K 202 were going (a couple months ago when new model released) 1/3 OF new. I thought the best Bargain I owned was a Nakamichi AV-8 (the 10 is also a bargain)- kicked denon's butt and it drove B&W 601 S2 series to perfection (my speaker recommendation too, but consider Paradigm). I love Tice connects, especially the digital for bang for buck. You will have to have sub given the bookshelfs, The B&W ASW 500 was under $500 new and very musical. One of the best bangs for buck is power conditioner, which shocked the hell out of me. Monster acceptable but there are much better bargains, but I again I like Tice. Bon Chance.

I have the HSU VTF-2 sub. Fantastic! I don't know if you can find another powered sub of this caliber for anywhere near the price ($500 + tax and/or S/H). Again, speakers a personal preference, but I reiterate the previous comment; "Go for audio sound first". B&W 602 are outstanding, a friend who is a professional jazz muscician just picked up a pair after looking at several models. Paired with the matching center and 601s for the rear you would have a killer set up.
The only advise with regards to a DVD player is if you do not have a the ability to utilize a progressive signal, don't spend the money to get a progressive DVD player. I have the Sony 7700, no progressive but fantastic picture and it is built like a brick!
Best of luck in you search. Most importantly, enjoy the search as much as you will the final product. Putting a system together is almost more fun than using it!