Home audio & video forum: Surround sound system recommendations

when pointed the speakers in the correct positions, it won't be so bad. I suggest try it and see if you like it or not.

The height may bother your sensibilities (its certainly not perfect to have a center channel or fronts that high up... rears can be higher) but you could always feed the wires down further in the wall and patch the old holes if you are not happy.

I think you are going to need some absorptive surfaces in that room. Cathedral ceilings, open floor plans and hard wood floors can kill even the best of systems. I'd say its time for you and your wife to find some nice thick area rugs you like and perhaps some heavy curtains. There's rarely such a thing as a perfect space for a sound system in most homes but some simple additions like rugs, soft furniture, and curtains can go a long way.

7.1 systems are nice but keep in mind that most content, even blu-ray HD audio, is still only 5.1 (big blockbusters sometimes being the exception but its still only about 10% or less of the blu-rays out there). AVR's can interpret (make up) these channels for you but its not actually on the disc, its just a simulation (that also how Dolby Pro Logic IIz's "height" channels are created). In other words, don;t get too wrapped up in having to have 6.1, 7.1 or 9.1 if its not convenient. 5.1 is still pretty much the standard.

mini-store inside so the selection is pretty low end (lots of cheap plastic HTIB's and some overpriced Bose systems). The Magnolia stores are supposed to have a lot more to choose from and more knowledgeable staff.

That's a nice budget you've got so I'd encourage you to head over to the AVS forums to talk about it with some serious audiophiles who know their stuff. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

I can tell you that I spent 2,700 on my sound setup last year (Onkyo 706 AVR and 5 Aperion Audio speakers ranging from 4-6 inch drivers with an dual firing 10" Aperion sub.). The step up from my old stereo sat sub system with 2.5" driver and 8" subs is tremendous (you just can't get that warm lower midrange without some decent sized drivers). So watch out for satellites that are too small because the sound can be a bit shrill. Given how large your space is you are going to need some oomph to fill it with clean sound.

You might also want to seek out a specialty audio shop in your area (if you have a decent one) as they can be very flexible about letting your try out speakers at home (although admittedly a lot of them have gone the custom installer router and barely keep any stock around). I've heard good things about Definitive Technology and Paradigm in this price range. And then there are good online options too (some, like Aperion, have free 30 day trials with free shipping both ways should you not be satidfied). You could look at them, Energy, and SVC for starters.