Well, you might want to check out this
link. Also, you might try PMing plhart, since he has an Infinity system that uses small satellites. My only concern would be your subwoofer. It has decent specs, but that doesn't indicate how flat the response is on that range.
You may also want to consider:
Hsu Research
And for mains, Paradigm might also be an option.
Paradigm. They make some expensive stuff, but their lower end is still good while being more in your price range.
I'm a compter geek too, and I know how expensive the hobby is. On that note, do you plan on making/using a media center PC in this system? If so, what are the specs on it? Don't worry about me not understanding, post EVERYTHING.
Now that I read your original post again, you might want to do this project in phases. You have a fairly large room and little speakers aren't going to fill it with sound like you want them too. I think that you'll get a lot more out of your system if you start with maybe just a stereo setup for the speakers. It won't be any fun watching movies if you try to crank the volume and just get distortion.
I understand the desire for instant gratification and upgrade, but there is no sense in doing a one step upgrade, then wishing for more. I'd recommend that you go for some good-quality bookshelves, bookshelves or bi-polar surrounds, a matching center (matching the mains), and a good, rockin' sub.
A good sub is CRUCIAL in an HT system, especially if you like action movies with lots of explosions.
What is the orientation of your system in the room? Long wall, short wall, corner? The layout will also determine what you'll want. For instance, if part of that room is used for something else, then that lessens the requirements for speaker outputs and allows you to save some money in that department. You're going low end, but there are lots of companies that offer good values in speakers.
Some examples are:
Paradigm (link above)
Axiom
PSB
RBH
Your reciever choice looks fine, unless you need more features or more power. In that case, I think you'd be fine with the Yamaha RX-V1500.
That's all I can think of right now. I know others will have some good input. Good call for not falling for the B(l)ose load of BS, we all commend you.
Unlike computers, there is no way to buy a cheap component and make it perform way past its price point. You can't get a $100 speaker, overclock it, and make it sound like a $1000 speaker, unlike a 1700+ Athlon
.
One last note, don't forget to budget for cables and a surge protector/power conditioner. You don't need super fancy cables, something from
Blue Jeans Cables or
Impact Acoustics will do just fine. If you're a DIY kind of guy (I assume you are, you play with computers), then you might want to pick up some bulk cable from
Westlake Electronic or
Parts Express and some terminations from Parts Express,
Cobalt Cable or
Have Inc.. This is for speaker cables, as interconnects are harder to make on your own and also require a coax stripper, among other things. You should at least have a surge protector for your system so it doesn't fry one night during a T-Storm. A power conditioner helps too, but isn't mandatory and right now, really won't be necessary. It could definitely be something you grab later on when you get the upgrade bug.
Hope this helps!
