Looking to build a system for under $5k

Note: I too, will not comment further the merits of audio shows. This is just an account of my personal experience. If someone else wants to weigh in, great ... but that's it for me.  

Sorry, but attending a show is a great way to start learning about gear, and ultimately the best gear for a buyer, rather than asking a bunch of strangers on the internet for suggestions.  Especially if there are no dealers in one's area to visit.  I believe this was the point of Douglas' post.  It sure was mine.

Sure the manufacturers will often showcase their best TOTL gear but very often there is also trickle down technology that goes into their lower priced offerings.  Especially speakers as most manufacturers will build all models in a range to attain a certain house sound.  Its also a way of becoming familiar with brands that would otherwise go unnoticed.  Then go home and research these brands to find models best for you and your budget.  Use the show as a learning experience, not a shopping trip.  Unless of course a great deal falls you way that meets both your listening expectation and budget.

My 1st suggestion is to purchase a copy of "The Complete Guide to High End Audio" by Robert Harley. Begin with reading the first couple chapters.

Have you heard the Vandersteen 1Ci speakers? I agree they are a good candidate for your proposed system, however you won't know without a listen. Regarding audio shows or dealer demo, I believe one should use then to get a better feeling for what sound qualities one prefers in a speaker than which pair to buy. This is especially true for one new to audio.

At your budget, and you can put together a very nice system. I agree that you should search for speakers that are at least of moderate sensitivity, 88dB and 8 ohm, therefore not needing excessive power. However I don't agree that it is necessary to spend half your budget on speakers. SPeakers have much to say about the character of a system, however the quality is determined by the balance of all components.  

I also believe you should purchase an integrated amplifier. There are many of recent vintage that would serve your budget. I would look for a used, however not too old one in the $1000- $1500 range. Are you willing to purchase used?

Regarding the digital source, do you have a collection of CDs? Are you looking to stream audio off internet radio? 

Yes, I have provided more questions than answers, however to best help we need to know. 

Take your time with this and I am sure you will be end up with a high quality system.

It seems to me that the OP wants to get a good system without having to go through the somewhat lengthy process of educating oneself in audio.  And I can sympathize with the reluctance.  After all, look at the diverging opinions in this thread alone.  Perhaps the OP is pretty busy too, it surely happens.  

I'll add my disagreement and say that I think that 5k is a serious chunk of change to spend on a first system.  Also, the room is cozy and not huge, which dictates things somewhat.

One other item is that the OP will have preferences in regards to sound that he apparently does not know about yet.  So, step one should be the speakers, and with music one is familiar with.  Audition the Vandersteens mentioned in post one.  Compare them with others to get an idea of what sounds best.  

I'm not convinced that the Vandersteens would be the best speaker for the types of music the OP prefers.

Audionoobie - another option (as opposed to a high end audio show) is a mini vacation to a major city such as NYC.  Within 50 miles there are multiple dealers representing a wide variety of brands.  You can visit their listening rooms where, chances are, you can see gear in your price range and hear them in a more optimal listening environment.  Pair this with some tourism and a few top restaurants and you will have a pretty good time (I took my own advice last summer).

@ sjtm- I did that a few years ago, flew out to Seattle for a four day weekend and visited every hi-fi shop in the city. Good advice.