So I figured it's about time to upgrade my old vintage Marantz receiver and old Jensen floorstanding 12" woofer speakers - perhaps finally join the 90's with it's dvds and surround sound.

After doing some research, I have decided on picking up the Denon AVR-1705, due to it's features and low cost. Now the problem is, will my old speakers sound good with this receiver? Would it be ridiculous to use these as the front two in the setup and get newer speakers for the back and center?

The old lady won't let me spend too much on our setup all at once (and, unfortunately, in total), so if I do need new front speakers (can only spend <$300 on the fronts now and will get the rest later) what would be best? Wharfedales? Some bookshelf speakers? I'm not a big fan of the whole "surround speakers out of the box" setup, so I will eventually buy all the speakers piece by piece.

If anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it - Thanks much!