My first post was here was similar to yours--looking for a system for around $5k. I was given a lot of excellent advice. I ended up choosing the Belles Aria Integrated and a pair of Vandersteen 1ci’s (both new). Which you could pick up for around $3.5k and have money left over for cables and room treatments.
I then traded up to the Vandersteen 2ce Sig II’s which sound great. But in retrospect I really would’ve liked to hear what the 1ci’s and a pair of subs would’ve sounded like. If my memory recalls correctly the 1ci’s were perhaps a tad faster and more airy.
I too listened to the Parasound Halo a couple of times and was not that impressed.
Good luck on your search!!!