Recommendations for modest budget


2 years ago I bought an OLED and at the time paired it with an LG SJ9 sound bar due to space constraints.  Now I have a space that could easily hold any size 5.1 system so I'm looking to upgrade.  Trying to keep the budget modest, let's say $2k (not firm).  Any recommendations on where to start searching would be greatly appreciated.  I'm not expecting top of the line equipment with this budget but I would like something that's a substantial improvement over the sound bar.  Thanks!
128x128mlenow
Your $2K budget, is NOT adequate for a 5.1 system with receiver included. Simply being honest.

The tipping point is around 5K (not including cables or a basic power conditioner) for what you are considering. 10K ideally for a basic yet very good full 5.x.x system (which could also include a second sub and object channel speakers).

Aesthetics and setup of a 5.1 system are problematic AND you will encounter problems and costs you don't anticipate.

For your budget (negotiated price) consider this:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/sennheiser-ambeo-soundbar-review

OR opt for a 2Ch system, for now, and build upon it when funds are available. This allows for very good speakers and receiver used (at $2K). Choose speakers that offer matching center and surround, etc. so you can add those at a later date.
I don't think that the OP is going to almost triple his budget and a decent sounding 5.1 system can be had for two thousand dollars, how do I know? Because I have one! Bought the speakers and sub used and grabbed a last year model of my receiver at a big discount because it was being replaced by a newer model.  Check craigslist for sub and there always seems to be a lot of home theater speakers on there as well.

Good Luck, TISH
For your budget, you should look for all used gears, used AV receiver & used speakers and used cablings, etc. Another advantage of buying used gears is most likely they are already fully broken in in the case of electronics & speakers, and fully burned in all the way in the case of cables. most likely if the seller had been using them for a while. 

Do you need an AV receiver that supports latest 4K HDR video pass through or not? I assumed you don't care about latest Dolby Atmos & DTS-X formats since you are only doing 5.1. Did you already have 4K/bluray player? Or is it just for cable TV DVR box/satellite TV, Apple TV & other streaming movie service providers? Most bluray and/or 4K UHD bluray players usually have built-in Netflix, Vudu, Hulu, etc. 

Are you going to be using your system for listening to music as well or strictly surround sound movies (HT)? 
Here's a great system almost identical to one I put together for my brother, and it sounds absolutely fantastic for movies and surprisingly good for music too.  Includes a sub that will get you down to an honest 20Hz so you'll really feel earth-shaking explosions, etc. in your room, and the critical center speaker really delivers the goods.  This system will make your soundbar sound like a bad joke by comparison.  All of it is new with warranty, and the total cost is within your budget at $1978.  All you need to add is cables/interconnects, and @grannyring here can build you some really good Dueland wires that'll work great and won't cost too much.  Hope this helps, and best of luck in your search. 

https://www.aperionaudio.com/collections/towers/products/intimus-5t-tower-speaker-stealth-black?vari...

https://www.aperionaudio.com/collections/open-box-closeout-speakers/products/open-box-intimus-5c-cen...

https://www.aperionaudio.com/collections/satellites-bookshelf-speakers/products/intimus-4b-satellite...

https://www.svsound.com/collections/subwoofers/products/pb-1000

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa780bl/yamaha-rx-a780-7.2-ch-x-95-watts-a/v-...