Sony SS-CN5000

[blacklion]

Thanks everyone for the kind suggestions. I'm researching the options you suggest. I'm not really planning to do major upgrades this year but I'll certainly consider transitioning gradually by getting new front towers and a sub first, the moving the Sony towers to surrounds and eventually retire them. But this will most likely start towards the end of the year as the economy improves

Regarding the sub, is there a substantial difference soundwise between a 10' and a 12' sub? if I have it right, the bigger the cone, the more air the sub can displace and thus more deep low bass sound? Also, does wattage count for much with subs?

As you can guess, I'm no audiophile and I'm not ready to invest several thousand dollars in speakers and subs. My maximum budget would be no more than $800-1200.