$1k for Center/Mains.

[alkemyst]

This thread is going to end up with him getting JTR, isn't it...

OK, I did a bit of looking. Those DefTech BP6s he had are 91db. If those were underpowered, you definitely are limited in options with any kind of budget. The Klipsch towers are 97db, though I'd probably suggest 3x RF81 II (same sensitivity, and he has subs anyway). Either get those and let Audyssey clean up the top or make him buy those JTRs.

The speakers were adequately powered. The speakers themselves were underpowered for the room...

an RF81/2 as a center would place the screen hard to high.

 

[alkemyst]

He found some RTi12's and a CR5 for his price point. I will have to hear them, but he has heard them and really likes the sound. The CR5 center that has two 6.5 woofers is nearly the same weight as my Klipsch Academy that has two 8" woofers.

I wasn't trying to hate on the JTR's as they have a big fan following. However; I don't agree they are a 'musical' setup nor do I agree with bedliner as something you'd put in your living areas.

If you have a monster theatre and can hide these, then they are right for the job. If you want MAJOR SPL and don't care what it looks like, then they are right for the job.

 

[alkemyst]

I've had the Klipsch RF-82 II towers and RC-62 II center for a bit over a year now and have been very happy with them. I did take the high end down a bit in the config. I stayed in the series but dropped down a bit on the surrounds. For a sub I went with Hsu Research.

This seems like a great bang for buck versus the RF-7/RC-64 for anything but a major volume room.

I debate upgrading my Klipsch Quartet/Academy/SS-25/Emotiva Ultra 12 setup all the time, but it still sounds awesome. I did upgrade the Xovers and diaphrams in my Quartets and Academy though.

I can turn them up and it simply overpowers the room.