Re: Two Approaches - Pros and Cons
from what i understand, this choice would probably come down to whether you listen to music in stereo or in surround. (sacd type stuff with 5.1 mixes) if you go with stereo for music, System B, i would think, would be the way you'd want to go. htm-200s work great as surround speakers for home theatre, plus you get the added benefit of being able to mount them directly against a wall, or even in the wall if you want to go that route. also, the Sierras would arguably offer you a more refined sound over the 340s when listening to stereo music.
on the other hand, if you listen to a lot of multi-channel music, System A may be better for you. the 170s have an edge over the 200s when it comes to musical performance, and the 340s, while not quite to the level of the sierras, are definitely no slouches for music or home theatre. also, this package will have more of a physical presence in the room as all the speakers are larger than their corresponding speakers in System B.
for home theatre, i'd guess the two systems would be very similar in performance. with the front soundstage of the sierras having a slight edge over the 340s in certain situations
CMT-340SE2 Mains & Center, CBM-170SE Surrounds, Rythmik F15, Emotiva XMC-1, Emotiva XPA-5