Choosing a system

[dralign2]

Hello everyone. I'm going to jump right in. I need advice on building a system. Room size=22x12x8. We will be sitting about 8 feet from system. Budget=? as much as I need to make it the way I want, as little as possible to make it the way I want. Listening preferences=80%HT,20%music (easy listening, pop & classic rock). I have to young kids and we all love having movie night. The room will also serve as a den. I want the HT to WOW us.
Speakers- I originally looked at the paradigm studio 100's and liked them. Then with all the matching components it added up to about $6,000 for speakers. Thats OK if I must but then I started reading about the Axioms (dirsect mail out of Canada) I have been really considering the epic 60 system and upgrading the sub to the 500 and the center to the 150. This comes in at about $2700 and alot of people seem to think it's as good as the paradigms. Anybody have an alternative?
Reciever- Originally thinking about the Denon 3805. Then after some research I believe that the 2805 will do the same think (due to not having the need for the extra power). Recently I have been thinking about the NAD 773. I know it's an important part of the system. Any input?
Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciatied.

 

[Xsound]

I recently bought the Pioneer Elite vsx-54tx, and I love it. I compared against the Yamaha RX-v2500 and the Denon AVR 3805. I didn't shop the NAD, but I hear good things about them. I actually wanted the vsx-56, but financial reality brought me back to the 54. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Right now i am only using a 4.1 system, will add the center within the next month. Reasons I love the 54... power in ample supply, but never strident. All of the surround modes. The remote is simple to use, I had all my remote codes programmed in less than 10 minutes. The booklet comes with instructions for Bi-amping my front speakers, so I don't have to worry about some of the problems that some 3805 owners are running into.

As for speakers, I am still shopping. I am very interested in the Axioms as well. They seem to be a good match with the Pioneer from what I have read. I am also looking at Monitor Audio and Tannoy speakers.
The Paradigms have great reputation, though some say they are not the best match with a receiver like the Elite. $6,000 will buy you a lot of speaker. I think the Paradigms will be as highly thought of as any. On Audiogon you can buy a full MA Gold surround sound system for $4500, (new retail price $6500). They also have some Paradigms for sale.

Shopping for Speakers can be the most fun, and probably should be the first item chosen in a new system, but hey, I do everything backwards.

Best of luck, and have fun
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