Hi,

Just about when I put my order, Etronics.com ran out of the HTB553 that I intended to buy. So, today I implusively get a Kenwood VR-4080 at UBid, 349+28 shipping. I hope that's a fair deal, since I didn't do much research on that.

Now I need to get speakers for the nice receiver. First of all, I have this question: In the power ratings, it says 6ohm, what does that mean. Do I have to get 6ohm speakers for it?

Now, here is where I really need help. I want to control the cost of the whole speaker system so that the whole HT price would be comparable to HTB553. I found bestbuy has sony speakers on sale, I went to hear them today. They sound nice to me. My options are;

Front: SSMB115 sounds good, right size
or SSMB215 sounds really good, a little big
to be called bookshelf speaker
or SSMB315 sounds good, but somehow not as good as 215
but looks nice, can save a pair of stands

Center:

SSCN490
or SSCN290 + 2 rear package, same price, same size,
what's the difference?
Would these cent match any of the font speakers?

Rear:
The two in the SSCN290 rear package,
or SSMB115
can I use the bookshelf speaker for surround?

Sub:
SAWM40, it got lots of thumb-ups from reviews.

Any comments on an optimal set up or recommendation of similarly priced but better speakers would be appreciated.

This means that the receiver is capable of handling 6ohm load. You should not buy any speakers with a number lower than 6 ohm. 8 is most common, 16 would also be okay.

Quote:

Now, here is where I really need help...
Front: SSMB115 sounds good, right size...
Center: SSCN490 or SSCN290 + 2 rear package, same price, same size, what's the difference? Would these cent match any of the font speakers?

My guess is that since they carry similar model numbers (i.e., "SS") that they will match well, but I don't know this for fact.

Quote:

Rear: The two in the SSCN290 rear package, or SSMB115 can I use the bookshelf speaker for surround?

You can use bookshelf speakers for the rear. The two speakers in the 'surround package' are probably of lesser quality and are thrown in to up the value of the set. It would be better to buy nicer surround speakers, but if you can get the additional 2 surround + center for the same price as the center alone, this is a no brainer.

I got a really good deal from this site. It is the Harmon factory site. I got a great deal on a set of Infinity satellites. That deal is not there anymore but they have some good deals, if you don't find what you want check back in a couple days.

http://www.harmonaudiooutlet.com