Upgrade to home theater system in phases

[phillyguy]

Oh no, you used the B-word. First off, for the kind of budget you have, don't limit yourself right off the bat to Bose. For the money, I think you can do better, but that is your choice. That being said, audition as many different speakers as you can. If you are set on Bose, I would suggest listening to the Bose next to your second choice in speakers. If not in the store, bring both set of speakers home. I am sure a reputable shop will let you audition at home. The one shop local to me will let you exchange dollar for dollar any pair of speakers you bought from them for up to a year for something else from their store.

I am doing a similar phased upgrade, although with a smaller budget. What worked for me was to narrow my choice in speakers, and find an amp/receiver that sounds good with them. I then bought my receiver first. It even made my old speakers sound much, much better, to the point that even that the wait for new speakers really won't be that bad.

As far as budgeting, I would suggest that you budget 1/2 to 2/3 of you money on the speakers, since any of recievers in any given price range will only give a relatively subtle change in the sound of the speakers.

If you can give others on this board some more detailed information about what type of movies/music you like, the size and shape of the room you have, etc., they can offer some excellent suggestions on equipment in your price range.

[Willow]

Id start with a good receiver and your mains. Add a sub and DVD player. Then get a timbre matched centre...then finally your rears.Go out and listen to a whole bunch of speakers. You dont have to spen all your $$ to get a great system. If I was you go out and get a receiver and your 2 mains and a dvd player. Next add a sub and centre. Athena Polk, energy,paradigm all good choices....go out and listen !!!