I am new to this and was hoping for some advice.  I have a small room (12ftLx10ftWx8ftH).  Currently I have a 43 inch HD LCD (viewing distance is about 9 feet).  I have a Tivo HD, BluRay DVD and Apple TV.  I use the system for watching movies and rarely music (although that could change with new speakers).

I was hoping to get some advice on the right speakers given the small size of the room.  Also, I will probably gradually build out the system to stretch the cost out.  I was thinking of initially getting the receiver (any suggestions welcome here too-I was thinking either Onkyo 706 or 606),  two front towers and a center speaker to start.  Next would be the subwoofer.  Then finally, I would get the surrounds.  Does this approach make sense?  Or is it a waste to do the theatre in phases like this?

 What size speakers should I get?  I dont want to overpower the room, but by the same token, I dont want to be selling myself short.

 Any recommendations and advice would be greatly appreciated!

 Thanks,

EJW

If budget is a concern then your plan absolutely makes sense.

The 606 AVR would be great, I'd also look at the Onkyo 805/806 if you got a couple extra bucks to burn.  Just don't pay full MSRP for your AVR. You should probably be able to get a 606 for $300 or an 8xx series for $500-$600 if you do some cruising on the web.

As far as speakers for that room size. I'd do 4T's and a 5C to start.  Then add an 8D. Then the 4B's for surrounds.

 Best of luck!

Dan.

ejw93:

I am new to this and was hoping for some advice.  I have a small room (12ftWx10ftWx8ftH).  Currently I have a 43 inch HD LCD (viewing distance is about 9 feet).  I have a Tivo HD, BluRay DVD and Apple TV.  I use the system for watching movies and rarely music (although that could change with new speakers).

I was hoping to get some advice on the right speakers given the small size of the room.  Also, I will probably gradually build out the system to stretch the cost out.  I was thinking of initially getting the receiver (any suggestions welcome here too-I was thinking either Onkyo 706 or 606),  two front towers and a center speaker to start.  Next would be the subwoofer.  Then finally, I would get the surrounds.  Does this approach make sense?  Or is it a waste to do the theatre in phases like this?

 What size speakers should I get?  I dont want to overpower the room, but by the same token, I dont want to be selling myself short.

 Any recommendations and advice would be greatly appreciated!

 Thanks,

EJW

I am starting out the same way except I got the 8D sub and the 5B's for left and right.  I know the center is important for movies but don't under estimate the contribution of the sub for movies and just as much for music.  I probably would have gone with the 4T's had they been available but I am very satisfied with the 5B's.  For your room the 4T's would probably be fine but depending on $$ the 5T's would be better!  The 606 or 706 should drive either 4T's or 5T's just fine.

Cheers 

How much do I gain by getting the 5C center speaker over the 4C in a room the size of mine?  What are the main benefits?  Is the 4C too small? 

I have no issue going with the 5C, but want to make sure that the speaker would be good for this small room.  Specifically, if it is going to be noticeably better for movie watching.

Also, I ended up buying the Marantz SR5003.  Now I just need to order the speakers. Very excited!

Thanks,

 EJW