Your opinions for a very small room.

[benzgrl]

Hi guys - I've been seriously thinking of upgrading to a "true" beginner's HT. I've been reading thru some HTiB threads here and also the nice Home Theater Virgin Sticky where the Polk RM6750 & Onkyo 607 is recommended. Also, I know the Onkyo HTS-6200 is highly recommended.

And this thread $550 budget challenge:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=127615

I'm just confused as to which one of these would work better for me, so maybe if I told you my situation, I can get some feedback:

A budget between 500 - $600 (max w/ tax & shipping) is what I'd like to do, but I'm a little confused as to the refurbished recommendations in the above challenge thread. So my questions are (1) Are refurbished receivers ok? I've never bought anything refurbished, is the price difference that much?

(2) I didn't think I could actually get a "real" system because I thought my studio apartment is too small, but seeing some of the set-ups in the Gallery, maybe not - ? My living area is only 13 X 9 (I'm sitting between 6 & 7 ft from the TV). The couch is a few inches away from the wall.

So obviously I'm looking at a 5.1 system - is it ok if the rear speakers are more to the side of seating than behind?

(3) My primary use is for Blu-ray movies (very few games) and TV viewing. I watch a lot of Blus hours on end at times. I only have my Panny & a PS3 (Fat 40gb) - those are my only 2 components. Oh, and a basic cable box (no DVR).

(4) I don't have to get something where I will continue to build on per se, as I really don't know where I'll end up and considering my place is so small, I don't think I'll be adding more components.

Sorry for the long read, thanks!