Okay,

For speakers, if you have the room & budget, look into these:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-mts01.cfm
http://www.axiomaudio.com/hometheaters.html
http://www.av123.com//index.php?page...art&Itemid=125

Also, give Elemental Design a look for their speakers and Sub. One of the very good one.

If room space is still an issue, give Paradigm a look, especially their Millenia & Signature series. Aesthetically nice and awesome SQL.

You DON'T necessary need the Pioneer Elite. I'd go with the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K ($400), and spend the $$ on the speakers, do the calibration (which is included in the Pioneer receiver) and be blown away.