Speakers for HT/2 channel

I use a 9.8 into a Butler to run a set of the Von Schweikert VR2s for mains, the LCR15 as a center, their sub (single) and a pair of the 150s for surrounds. They are efficient, fast, detailed and quite musical. Very good with movies and TV events.

It can blow the windows out of a room bigger and higher then yours in a very refined and non fatiguing way.

For more bang in the line (and what's nice is that it was all designed to play together) I would put VR4jrs in the front (thus improving bass, pressure and 2 channel), move the VR2s to the rear and add another sub along the back or side wall.

VSA no longer builds them but there are a ton around used and a few dealer demos and closeouts are still around. It's a lot of sound for the money - well under your budget.

All the ATC designs from the 20 on up sound alike - so if you don't like one you've heard then don't waste more time. They are great for crystal clear dialog even with loads of stuff going on. Dynamics and loudness whilst maintaining low distortion levels is what tends to differentiate them from others - so you'll squeeze quite a bit more excitement from a dynamic movie soundtrack than usual. I suspect you could do passive 20's all around and a JL F113 sub - all used for something close to your target price. The ATC 15" sub is roughly three times the cost of a JL F113 and would definitely be overkill if this is not your main system. You'll definitely need to find a really tight (low Q sealed box) sub if you go with those speakers though or it will probably end up as a dogs breakfast.