Okay, here's my idea for my rig so far...

[Max_the_drive]

I have learned a lot reading posts in this forum--the most important thing is how little I know...
Anyway, your suggestions and comments have led me to this setup that will be in a small media room, about 14X18. My wants were pretty basic, a decent AV receiver, BR DVD and a 5.1 speaker setup that could expand to 7.1. and reasonably good veiwing and listening without spending the retirement funds to get there. The TV is in place--a 42" Panasonic Viera Plasma (1080P).
So any comments about the following prospective components are appreciated.

AV Receiver:
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7 Channel A/V Receiver W/HD-Audio Decoding & 1080p Video Scaling

Blue Ray Player:
Panasonic DMP BD35

Speakers
PSB Image 15 Bookshelves and a C40 Center
(Interestingly, an article about wave cancellation in center speakers with paired drivers actually suggests it might be better to have a third PSB 15 as the center to avoid frequency loss, but how do you get 'em to part with just one?)
Subwoofer:
HSU STF-2

Rear speakers:
More PSBs

Any comments are welcome. Glad to hear any complaints about the equipment selected.

 

[Davemcc]

Looks good to me. It looks like you've done your homework. What attracted you to the Pioneer?

 

[Max_the_drive]

Thanks for the reply, Dave. Reasons for the Pioneer choice are based on my limited understanding of the interface between hype and technology, and the integration of reviews from pros and consumers.

The Pioneer has quite a few features for the money. Sound decoders--Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro-Logic II, DTS-ES, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6--with several processing options in the software like advanced surround, dialogue enhancement, and front stage surround adjustment. It has 3 HDMI ins, which seems like the minimum to get properly connected to BR, an HD broadcast source and one game box.
Its able to output 7.1. It claims HDMI switching and 1080P upconversion.
Specs suggest it is powerful enough to run an efficient speaker setup.
A minus was no THX, which leads to the next newbie question.
How do amps with no THX deal with a THX soundtrack?

 

[rnatalli]

Looks good to me. It looks like you've done your homework. What attracted you to the Pioneer?

Agreed. That's a great, well-balanced system. If you can push for the B25's up front, go for it.

 

[phlakvest]

How do amps with no THX deal with a THX soundtrack?

About the same as amps without the THX decal on the front.

THX certification requires an reciever meet certain requirements in a few areas (mostly in the amp section), and pay a licensing fee to THX.
It doesn't mean its better than a non THX system.

Don't let the presense or lack of a THX sticker sway your decision.