Quote Originally Posted by daviethek
Most of the people on this forum are passionate about music reproduction. If they are around 50 as I am, they have been through many purchases of name brand stereo gear as their budget allows. Sooner or later you just want more from your music. In Hi-fi this sometimes means spending some big bucks. So it is not a "waste of money" to advise people to spend wisely from the start, only recommendations from experience.
I agree even so I am "only" 44. If I knew then what I know now I would have stuck with the Budget system I had and would have auditioned and saved and then made the big purchase.As it happened I was fortunate enough to put the system together that I like over the last two years.
On the other hand,maybe the learning curve you climb through upgrading is part of the fun.
It can be a long and rocky road.
As to the original question I do agree that below $ 2000 you should look at good standmounts. The Proac's spring to mind. Above that the world is your oyster.
But speakers are something very personal and so room dependant.And a good two channel set up will always,in musical ability, wipe the floor with a suround set up.
So good luck with your search. I would go for Floorstanders every time.

Bernd