Reddit mentions of Klipsch RW12D 12-inch Reference Subwoofer

- The Denon X2000 supports 7.1 but do you think the room size and current layout support it?

If you keep that chair right there yes, you can go 7.1 space behind the listener is usually what determines that choice.

- For now I want to have a complete 5.1 setup but I don't know if I should prioritize getting a center speaker first or a pair of surrounds?

With one seat like that. Rears first. You are doing just fine with a phantom center image.

- I understand that Centers should match Fronts, so i'm guessing I should get the RC-42 II, but would an RC-52 II work OK with the RF-42 IIs or would it be overpowering?

The tweeter is more the concern and I believe it stays the same on those two and the driver just get bigger.

- For the surrounds I thought I would match them with a pair of RS-41 II or RS-42 II. Or is there anything else worth considering?

Honestly surrounds can be completely different brands in my eyes/ears but if you can afford the matching bi/di-poles do it. Otherwise the Fluance rear speakers or the Polk OWM's are a good choice.

- Surround Speaker placement: Looking at the layout, which placement option is optimal: A (directly to the side) or B (rear, opposite fronts or even wider than fronts)?

If 5.1 then B but wider. You can do a similar triangle to the listening position. If 7.1 what you have for a + b is perfect.

- If I go with option A (directly to the sides) the distance between right side of seating area to right wall and left side of seating area to left wall are uneven (7'7" right side to wall & 7' left side to wall) would this be a problem that Audyssey cannot correct?

That sort of distance is nothing. Audyssey or your manual setup can correct the timing on that easy.

- Either way, if I go with option A or B I will encounter a problem with two doors that would only leave me space to hang a speaker at minimum 4'2" above ear height. See this picture of door in the way plus the clearance I have between the door frame and ceiling molding is around 9.8 Inches. Is it a problem if the surround speaker is almost touching the ceiling?

Surround speakers are fine up near the ceiling as long as they are far enough away.. which yours are.
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- I want to replace the Audioengine S8, since it belongs to another system, with something more suitable. Budget:
$500 to $600. Preferably less.

Either this
or this

BIC F12 is probably your best bet in that price range. If you want to spend a little more the Klipsch RW12 are very good.

careful with newegg. they are a great retailer no doubt, but the 'discount' they list is usually based on list price -- which no one ever pays anyway.
here is amazon's offering which is actually a few $ cheaper.

Just wanted to point this out as I know how hard it sometimes is to pass up a "great deal". Trust me, you've got plenty of time to decide.

Buy used, take that $1200 and look on your local craigslist, ebay, and Audiogon. I think a good break down for towers + sub would be $850 and $350, respectively. The Klipsch RW12D has been getting pretty good praise lately. Klipsch RW12D You can find it for $300-$350 and check out this thread that compares it to the BIC F12.

Something like [this?] (http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RW12D-12-inch-Reference-Subwoofer/dp/B000UVWIO0) Klipsch RW12D

Here's a system for you, also from Amazon. It will accept analog inputs, coax/optical inputs, digital iPod inputs, and network connectivity (pandora/spotify). About the only think it won't do is decode HDMI audio.

Integrated Digital/Network Amplifier - $250 - Onkyo TX-8050

2X Floorstanding Speakers - $400 - JBL ES80BK

Subwoofer - $350 - Klipsch RW12D


http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8050-Network-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B004UR486G/ref=sr_1_20?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1372773958&sr=1-20&keywords=integrated+amplifier

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-ES80BK-3-Way-Floorstanding-Speaker/dp/B00166ZFXO/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1372773553&sr=8-10&keywords=floorstanding+speaker

http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RW12D-12-inch-Reference-Subwoofer/dp/B000UVWIO0/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1372774285&sr=1-19&keywords=velodyne+subwoofer