Will,

I have almost the the exact size rooom, with a 9.5 ft. ceiling. To give you an idea of my setup, I am using the 950/755 amp combo, along with an M200 for Dolby EX and DTS-ES 6 channel material in this room. I have Paradigm Studio Reference 60's in front, a Studio Reference Center Channel Speaker for both front and rear centers, along with the Paradigm Studio ADP's for surrounds. I have one Paradigm 2200 Sub running as well. I installed a 92" Stewart Firehawk Screen on the front wall for my Sharp DLP.

Initially, I ran this setup without any sound treatment in the room, and it was painful. Too much power, reflection, slap echo, etc. for this small room. At the end of a movie our ears would be ringing from the sound pressure.

Recently, I had acoustical treatment installed, and it makes an amazing difference. The front two-thirds of the room having sound absorbing materials, covered by a CF Stinson fabric, and the back third of the room is reflective wood, covered by the same fabric. The results are dramatic! I think this is pretty close to the recommended THX setup.

The dialogue in movies sound much better, SACD, DVD-Audio material, and regular CD's all sound great as well. You might consider this setup.

By the way, I built a platform two-thirds of the way back in the room for theater seating, thinking I would put in two rows of either 3 or 4 seats like you are considering. We just put in a row of 4 seats on the platform, and I think we are going to stop with these. I think the front row may be too close to the screen, because in our room the optimal viewing position is about 12-13 feet from the screen.

Best of luck with your setup. I know it will provide countless hours of enjoyment.

gb