| Cause - your friend has pretty good advice. The receiver, center and sub are going to make the biggest difference in your sound system. The receiver because that's the heart of your system in terms of power, switching, etc. The center will be where the majority of your sound comes from - and all speaking in movies. The sub is where you get the kick-in-your-pants out of any movie and SVS subs will definitely give that to you!
Unlike most people here I am still running the same receiver I bought for my first system. It's a Yamaha RXV-995 (or something like that). It was about $1000 when I bought it back in 1996/7/8 (can't remember exactly when). I also bought a nice little system with Paradigm speakers all the way around. Since that time I've upgraded the center, front speakers and sub and used my old speakers for an alternate system in my office.
If you are going to be listening to lots of music, you'll want kick ass front right and left speakers. If you are going to be using the speakers for mainly movies, then huge arse front speakers aren't as much of a necessity. The rear speakers are for ambient sounds mostly (and some directional every once in a while), so those aren't as important.
Ultimately when it comes right down to it you will have to listen to the speaker and receiver/amp combo you are interested in. Klipsch have horn tweeters and to some have a "harsh" sound (very high highs b/c of the horn tweeter). Paradigms have a more laid back sound (hard to describe unless you hear them A-B). The receiver/amp also makes a difference in how the speakers will sound. Certain amps will deliver a certain style of sound and others a different style. Listening to the combinations will give you the best idea of what you like. Once you find something that sounds good to you, go with it! | 
