Starting from scratch in a large room

I have not read every response to your question, but wanted to pass along a more general perspective for you.

First, you have to recognize that Audiogon includes a lot of the audiophile "elites" that simply think about stereo sound in ways that most of us simply cannot replicate or even appreciate in many cases.  I would equate it to someone looking for a sports car and having a Camaro/Mustang budget while getting advice from hyper-car owners that do their own maintenance.  I'm not in any way trying to disparage these members, but think it's important to understand the wide range of advice you are going to get.

My system in total is worth less than some members have spend on a single power cord, yet I only have one friend that has a stere setup that's similar to mine.  My setup is limited by my small house and family so I know that it could sound much better if I had the ability to optimize the setup.

I find that even with a suboptimal setup it's possible to get sucked into the hobby and appreciate the sound quality.

I wouldn't recommend that you spent an astronomical sum on your setup given your constraints, but a nice set of bookshelf speakers, with a subwoofer, and a solid amplifier would most likely result in a setup that you would appreciate.  

I have a pair of Audioengine A5 speakers in the other room that sound ok, but when I've had them setup next to the TV you can convince yourself that you're listening to my larger speakers.

You might even consider a pair of center channel speakers as they would have more drivers while also not having rear ports in most cases.  When I was look for some speakers for my father-in-law in years past one of the dealers suggested this as an option.

As long as you get a quality set of speakers and a nice amplifier you'll be able to appreciate the more realistic sound even when using them for background music. 

@mceljo , I think you make a fantastic conclusion about the end game is appreciating a more realistic sound. I disagree with this forum being "elite". The recommendation I made of Paradigm PW600 includes, the speakers, the amps, a streamers, the dac, the preamp, and room correction software plus a calibrated microphone on sale at 50% off, $600 all in. You plug it in, download the app, run the calibration and BAM, enjoy. If you have an additional source like a CDP or turntable, plug it in. If the OP needs a sub for the big room it has a sub out too. This is as simple as it comes, hardly elite.

@kota1  - I didn't read through all of the suggestions and it sounds like yours is likely a very reasonable option.  I also wasn't trying to imply that "elite" automatically means "elitist" or "snobby", but I think it's important for people looking for more entry level advice to understand that this forum has a lot of members that have will spend more on a single cable than they may be willing to spend on their entire system.  I'm even in that category and have an amazing system by any normal standard.

Perhaps it was mentioned, and I missed it, but I would be tempted to try Listening at a closer range than usual. I can't hardly think of a worse situation than trying fil a large room without an incredible amount of room interaction. 

 I did have a large room once that because of its shape perhaps, provided astonishingly great audio. Don't ask me why. So I guess that in certain circumstances it may be possible, but a regular long rectangular room seems doomed from the start.

this thread definitely has a lot of "amazing" suggestions and explains why audiophiles are ridiculed.

The dude wants good sound, from a good looking system. He doesn't want Doc Brown crawling on the floor finding imperfections that affect the sound. 

Some of you need to read the room. But of course it's not the just this thread, more often than not, these posts are full of comments where xy just keeps repeating the same points, same brands, with seemingly no connection to the question.