hi folks, I'm new to this site but it’s just want I'm looking for. My wife and I have had a 5.1 home theater system for a few years now:

Marantz SR 5200 Receiver

Pioneer Elite DV-45A DVD/SACD player

Cambridge SoundWorks MC200/MC300 5.1 speaker system


and we really enjoy it. We use it probably 90% for TV/movies and 10% for music. I’d like to upgrade the system and would like to know the best way to approach this. It kind of started when my wife was at the local Bose factory outlet store and heard a demo where she really felt a plane move from the center front to the center back behind her and she was blown away. She thinks it’s because of Bose, I'm guessing it was a 6.1 system. Given that I'm not a big Bose fan, I have a few questions:

1. What is the weak link in my system? I’m assuming it’s the speakers.

2. Any thoughts on 5.1 vs. 6.1?

3. Recommendations for upgrades?

I read the 5.1 speaker comparison and the Aperion’s sounded pretty good. The Mordaunt Shorts rated highest but they look like a pain in the ass to get. Would it make sense to get upgraded speakers with my current receiver (it does handle 6.1)?

I also have a Monster HTS 3600 Power Conditioner box, our TV is a 55” Mitsubishi HD and we have digital HD cable from Time Warner. Our listening environment is a family room that is about 14’ wide, 20’ deep, 10’ high and opens up into a kitchen, so walls on only 3 sides.

Budget is no more than $2000 on everything, but less is better than more. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I appreciate you folks sharing your expertise.