I have a recently finished basement which looks great and is basically a giant L shape. I am placing the HT in the corner of the L with the couch about half way back to allow room for gym stuff to face the tv and space off to the other part of the L shape. The space has significant echo due to materials location etc which i will be attempting to minimize with rugs, wall coverings, etc. I used to have a Sony dream system which died and simply met the needs at the time. I am in the market for a big upgrade (over time). At first I plan to just buy two front towers and a receiver but would like to piece meal it over time (pre-amp outs on an all in one reciever for upgrades to dedicated amps later?) for the other speakers 5.1 or 7.2, maybe ATMOS when the content exists, if ever and eventually upgrade into a separates system if possible. I have a good ear for clarity, which is more important to me than volume and i do binge everything from time to time. I have heard the likes of b&w, psb, etc on separates and listen to a variety of music but mostly just watch movies tv and play games because if it doesn't sound like the concert hall it's just blah to me and I simply don't have an overbearing interest in listening to it. I know this is an expensive endeavor which is why I want to do it over time. I know I need really good clean power at the end of the road and speakers with a really good balance throughout the whole frequency range they are responsible for. I have looked at b&w, Polk and klipsch personnally for speakers and Yamaha and Denon for receivers, but to be honest there is just too much out there and i am becoming overwhelmed with all the information and contradictory statements.
I am really not interested in upgrading later and spending more. I would rather buy it right the first time if possible.
Sorry if this is poorly worded and confusing. The internet has overloaded me with knowledge. And thanks for all the advice in advance guys.