Advice on speakers?

Joe - I am recommending a 2 channel (integrated amp or separates) for music and a 5 channel receiver for home theatre.

If you get high efficiency speakers, your amp will cost less. More power = more $ all else being equal.

I have an open architecture living space, and am very happy with Mirage OMD-15s. Right in your price range ($2500/pr new). They're 91dB efficient, have bass extension to the low 30s, and have wide and even dispersion, completely filling the living area without hot spots or suckouts.

Thanks on the info. Please feel free to providing me with more ideas. I will look into the separate amp ideas for stereand home theater. I am only planning on 5 channel anyway. Maybe a 2 and a 3 channel?
I will look into the Mirage also. I listened to some Krells the other day and found them to have too much of a "live" sound for me. The Monitior Audios had a cleaner sound, but these were powered individually. I am not sure I want to go that way. Thanks.

Joe in Mobile