One of my main questions that I don't think I ourtright asked - does the tower form-factor makes sense in a small room or within a limited budget, given a subwoofer?
I'm looking into the suggestions given so far.
Should I experiment with the crossover settings? Speakers can do "Full Band; 40Hz to 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 200Hz" and the LPF of LFE goes from 80 to 120.
The receiver has Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume (compression), is this similar to what you meant by Intellivolume? Setting Off/Light/Medium/Heavy. (IntelliVolume on this receiver alters the levels of the inputs)
"Audyssey Dynamic EQ solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality as volume is decreased by taking into account human perception and room acoustics. Dynamic EQ selects the correct frequency response and surround levels moment-by-moment at any user-selected volume setting. The result is bass response, tonal balance, and surround impression that remain constant despite changes in volume. Dynamic EQ combines information from incoming source levels with actual output sound levels in the room, a prerequisite for delivering a loudness correction solution."
"Audyssey Dynamic Volume solves the problem of large variations in volume level between television programs, commercials, and between the soft and loud passages of movies. Dynamic Volume looks at the preferred volume setting by the user and then monitors how the volume of program material is being perceived by listeners in real time to decide whether an adjustment is needed. Whenever necessary, Dynamic Volume makes the necessary rapid or gradual adjustments to maintain the desired playback volume level while optimizing the dynamic range. Audyssey Dynamic Volume works fine by itself, but can also be used with Audyssey Dynamic EQ. When both are on, Audyssey Dynamic EQ adjusts the perceived bass response, tonal balance, surround impression, and dialog clarity whether watching movies, flipping between television channels, or changing from stereo to surround sound content, when Dynamic Volume adjusts the volume."