So I went to a local audio store that has a pretty good reputation. They do car installation and sell Paradigm speakers and Denon recievers. I was hoping that would have a set of Studio 40's for me to audition and they did. I am still amazed at how wonderful those speakers sound. What killed me though was the price tag, $1200 for a set, no stands. Granted this may be cheap in the audio world, I am in college. However, he also has a Studio 20. He told me if I was planning on running a Sub/Sat system, just 2 bookshelves and a powered sub, I would be just as well off going with the Studio 20's. They are also $400 cheaper. The Sub he suggested was a Paradigm 12 inch, front firing, I believe the PW series. It hit very hard and very clear. It is $900. He said he would work me a deal on the Sub, Speakers, and speaker stands if I got them all from him.

Now for the questions. I told him I planned on buying a Yamaha Rx-V2500 Reciever, and he said that would be fine, but that he has known Yamahas to not deliver true wattage when put under load on like a 7.1 setup. Those of you who have Yamahas and especially the RX-v2500/1500, what are your experiences with it.

Next question, should I man up and get the Studio 40s? Or will the 20's do me fine? I am going to be using this as my HT and Audio setup. I listen to TONS of rap, but can also hear anything from country to rock to classical and Jazz. I also plan to gradually build around this system, adding a center channel and some Dipolars for the rear eventually (the ones I like are around $1300)

Just give me some feedback on both the Yamaha recievers and the Paradigms. I believe I will be very happy with this setup. Thanks for reading my long post.