On the assumption that having the system in the living room is verboten, have you considered a headphone setup, so you can listen without disturbing anyone? The Atom HE would be brilliant here, and you can add active speakers if you fancy them later.
I once used Neat Iotas with a UQ2 in our study, which is the 4th bedroom and only about 2.5 by 2m. Unless it was turned up pretty loud the speakers were completely gutless, so it’s worth bearing in mind. They are lovely when given a bit of welly however.