TjMV3,
I really appreciate your help.
The most important attribute is crystal clear audio while having an impressive bass. I listened to the Bose Acoustimass 10 system. While the sound was very good, the bass was not impressive. I couldn't feel the explosions in the "Battle of Hero" from Star Wars Revenge of the Sith. I would say it's not worth $1199.
The system will be used for TV and movies 80% of the time and music (especially Latin) 20%.
For movies, I like load volume and bass. The audio should bounce off my chest. We watch a lot of Fox News .... the center speaker has to be strong.
The basement area is large 33' x 25' and 9' high. However, the couch is only 15' from the TV.
For cabinet finish, Faux Black Cherry would work best. But honestly, the sound is the most important factor. I'm not nearly as concerned about aesthetics.
gopfan, is that $2,000 for just the Left and Right front speakers, or is $2,000 what you can spend on the whole system (fronts, center, rears and sub)?
I'm not so sure you'll be able to buy the Swan 6.1 front speakers for that ($849 ) price. Maybe you can, but I took a look and they're going for $1,159.00 on .....
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/manufacturers.php/mPath/10/sort/2a/page/2
That's a big room you there. I don't think that Yamaha Receiver RXV863 will be able to power your speaker system to the level you desire. Even moreso in a room that size. You may need a Reciver with much more power or maybe even buy yourself a powerful seperate five channel power amp and use your reciever as simply the Pre Amp Processor.
I'm not even sure the sub you want will be able to handle the lower bass frequencies for a room that siz and do it to the level you want. That's a big room. I mean, it probably could. But I have my doubts.
From the type of sound your describing and the kind of dynamics you want, I'm thinking the Swans would be a good match for you.
But also the Polk Audio RTIA9's. The RTIA9's are big speakers and they pack a huge dynamic kick. And they are very crisp and clear. Not the most refined or smooth speakers out there, but they are clear, crisp and pound out a lot of strong, tight bass.
A word of suggestion. You'll get much more bass impact if you place your couch and seats up against the backwall and move your speakers (and system ) out till it's 15 feet from the backwall.
If you're going to be sitting that far from the backwall, you may have some weak bass impact/dynamics. A lot will depend on the room, of course, and I don't know how the room is situated. But I have found that to be the case in a lot of room setups.
Honestly, I really believe you will need more power for your fronts and center channel.
The Jamo speakers I suggested earlier have nice dynamics and punch. But not to the extent you describe. Seems to me you're looking for extreme punch, kick and dynamics. That's not the Jamo speakers. They are not that extreme. Their kick is a little more reserved than that and they are smoother and have a slight warmth to them. They are nicely detailed and clear, though.
Seriously, I believe you have to start thinking about room setup, system/speaker placement and seating placement. As well as maybe continue saving money for a little longer and then get what you're looking for.
You need good size speakers in a room that big and you need some power behind them.