Starting out Audiophile separates?

It may be a better option for you to get a good quality receiver to start off with. Pretty much all of them have pre amp outs for all of the channels, so later on you can add separate power amps and still use the receiver as a preamp. If you go to audioadvisor.com and look at their HT receivers, they have an NAD T758 on sale for $1000 and a Marantz S5009 for $900. If it were my choice, I would go for the NAD. They focus on high build quality and best possible sound for the money. While it's possible to go with separates, at your price point there just aren't that many choices. If you want to upgrade at a later point, then it would make sense to go with separates.

If you are willing to purchase used, I think you can put something together for the $1000. Watch the classifieds here an AG and don’t be afraid to ask questions of the sellers. Pay attention to their feedback. You will need a processor and 5 channels of amplification. Since the video feed can be routed from video player to TV/Projector directly, I would view the audio side of the processor to be most important. Older processors have not held their value and can be had at a fraction of original price, however can still function nicely. For amplification I would try and find a 2 channel and a 3 channel amp.

You might start out with the processor and a 2 channel amp and build from there. I have found 2 channel to work fine for video.

Good luck and keep us posted as to your progress.

At 16, you are probably ahead of many of us with technology. You will want a set-up that streams from the internet (no wires, correct) or will play blu-rays. My suggestions are either an emotiva pre-amp processor (UMC 200) with a nice used 5 channel amp (you can find tons of great amps for a steal) or, you could just go with an Oppo 103 for $500 which will have built in streaming, plays blu-rays, has a nice volume control and you can hook that straight into an amp. 1 less piece and all you lose is a radio tuner. The other option to the emotiva is an outlaw???
Just my 2 cents. Keep in mind that it's distortion that blows speakers, not too much power. Keep you remote away from your buddies.