Advice on first HT equipment and setup.

The JMLab 926 are nice speakers. Full-bodied sound but detailed. I would try to match it with other JMLabs (Chorus series I think is in your budget). Otherwise consider PSB or Totem. You can get away with using monitors in the rears since there's usually less sound directed to the rear speakers. (I know, it's not absolute, but works most of the time.) You could also get PSB Stratus series speakers that are floorstanders for the rears (consider the Silvers) and a center channel as well. All in budget.

Michael

If you get a DSP you can phatom the center channel and save yourself trouble trying to find a center to match the timbre of your excellent speakers. (Centers are over-rated IMHO unless you have large audiences watching movies all the time. Plus centers don't work all that well unless you can match tweeter height exactly with L&R, such as placement behind a screen)

If you want a fully covincing enveloping sound it is best to stick with the same speaker all round....find a JMLab monitor that is closest in sound to your mains and you will be happiest.

Sub woofers ....JL F113 fathom and SVSsound PB Ultra are awesome value.

Receiver/DSP...your choice depending on what sources you have.

DVD player...something real cheap until you are ready to go High Definition (Blu-Ray)

Good Luck

These should match your L&R
Chorus CC700 S Center-Channel Speaker, $450
Chorus 706 S Bookshelf Speaker, $495/pair
Chorus SW700 S Subwoofer, $695

This receiver has a room correction and it is one of the best bang for the buck.....together with Onkyo stuff.
Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH AV Receiver ($799 new here)

This DVD will keep you up to date with the latest and greatest in Hollywood Production.
Toshiba HD-A20 1080p HD DVD player - like new ($200-$250)

About $2700 Total.....but you can shop around for less.

Good Luck Freddy

This DVD will keep you up to date with the latest and greatest in Hollywood Production.
Toshiba HD-A20 1080p HD DVD player - like new ($200-$250)

I would not recommend going HD-DVD - at this time it looks like HD-DVD is a dead duck.

Go Blu-Ray if you go High Def...or go cheap DVD and wait for Blu-Ray to come down in price...

You really think it is over.......I don't know.
I wouldn't be so quick and buried HD DVD (just not yet). I have seen it, time and time again. If there is money to be made.....both formats will coexist. Eventually, one will win over. Untill new format.