As a guy who's VERY tuned into the neighbor problem - I'm on a 40 x 120 lot with a new baby next door - I know you'll have to turn off the sub (props to wooch). Nothing will make this big of a difference at the same volume (I can feel his driveway vibrate with it on at "reasonable" movie watching levels).

The second thing is the higher part of the midrange, particularly through a door or window. This can be quite well handled with a treatment (heavy drapes, piece of carpet). So if you turn off your sub & get something on or over your sons' door it should make a very appreciable difference inside his room.

I'd also like to mention a particular brand of speakers I think are well suited to this application: Magnepan.

Of all my mid-pricerange speakers the Maggies had the best dialog reproduction hands down. Clear and easily heard. And since clarity is your concern that adds another check mark, dialog & effects. They also don't have overwhelming bass :) - even when I cranked mine it didn't rattle the neighbors windows(even though they rocked & they sounded wonderful!)!

My only concern would be the ability of the cheaper Maggies to fill your largish room when you AREN'T trying to be quiet. But hey - you can find out cheaply. Buy a pair of MMGs' off Audiogon for $400 +frt. Disconnect your surrounds & center & see if they're to your liking. If so, buy the center ($400-500), then either another set of MMGs' down the road for surrounds, or if you really like them but feel the need for "more", buy a set of better maggies for your mains & use the MMGs' for surrounds.

If you don't like them, sell them on Audiogon for $400.00 & all you're out is frt.

Or you could simply find your local dealer & audition them at home - they're $550/pr new, & if you don't like them take them back.

See how easy it is for me to spend your time & money :)??

Good luck - have fun!

Pete

PS I'm telling Magnepan I want a commision lol!