Looking to put together a HT setup but budget may only get me to 4.1 instead of 5.1 any thoughts?

[Theory]

Looking to put together my first HT setup but not sure if the budget I am setting will be enough for a full 5.1 setup so was thinking of going for a 4.1 possibly with eventual center channel down the line. Just was wondering what opinions were in regards to a 4.1 mainly due to budget restrictions. Currently looking at Ascend Sierra 2EX for main and HMT-200 rears paired with Rythmik L12. Not sure about AVR was considering Denon S750H. Eventual center channel that’s not currently in the budget currently is the Sierra horizon. Was just wondering if anybody had some suggestions or thoughts.

 

[shadyJ]

Looking to put together my first HT setup but not sure if the budget I am setting will be enough for a full 5.1 setup so was thinking of going for a 4.1 possibly with eventual center channel down the line. Just was wondering what opinions were in regards to a 4.1 mainly due to budget restrictions. Currently looking at Ascend Sierra 2EX for main and HMT-200 rears paired with Rythmik L12. Not sure about AVR was considering Denon S750H. Eventual center channel that’s not currently in the budget currently is the Sierra horizon. Was just wondering if anybody had some suggestions or thoughts.

I would say its better to go 3.1 rather than 4.1. Get a center channel and left/rights before you get surrounds. The Ascend speakers are sure to be good, but there are other very good speakers out there too. Consider some Revel Concerto2 M16s or some Outlaw Audio BLSv2s or LCRv2s. The Monolith THX speakers from Monoprice are also underappreciated gems. And unless you are in an apartment, you are going to want a better sub than the L12 for home theater.

 

[ryanosaur]

The Sierra 2ex are supposed to be very solid speakers. If you are going for a system that you might never have to upgrade from, those would be a good start for your mains. When you can afford the next step, you could double down on those or buy the Sierra Towers.
Completely agree with Shady, get the best 3.1 system you can afford. You want those to match across the front.
Surrounds can be added later and they do not need to match the mains.
The other speakers Shady mentioned are solid and worth considering, too.
Cheers!

 

[Theory]

Thanks never considered going for a 3.1 first. Probably not going to be able to go for towers unless the wife approves. Will also look into the other speaker suggestions as well. Thanks.