suggestions on speakers for 5.1 setup $2500 range

Try to keep all of the speakers in your system from the same manufacturer if not all from the same line of one manufacturer.

Totem Dreamcatcher system. I they can be had for just under $2000 new and that does include a powered sub.

No experience with either ascend or aperion.

The best thing to do is to go and listen to as many systems in your price range and pick the one YOU like the most. There is no such thing as a perfect system.

Good luck

Look at Paradigm's monitor series. A lot of options and very nice sound for this price (or less). Not essential that the sub be from the same company (for instance, you'll never go wrong with a used Rel), but otherwise I agree with eldarado - buy the same brand for all the other speakers.

I second the Paradigms: lots of great speaker for not much money. Keep them all the same for SACD reproduction or, at least, if you use a speaker made for uses as a centre, get a big one from the same manufacturer.

Or check out the Gallo set up, probably fits the price range....