My current speaker system is:
1 Pr. Ohm 100s @app $1700 (direct from Ohm)
Velodyne SMS-1 subcontroller @app $450 (from AudioAdvisor.com)
1 Pr. Rythmik Audio 12" subs @app $700 X2 (direct from RythmikAudio.com)
Total cost is app $3500 (NEW), and all can be returned if in-home performance proves unsatisfactory to you. In my room, performance has been absolutely terrific. I should add that I use an NHT x-2 ($300, raising the total budget accordingly) as a low cut for my mains because I don't like the low cut in the SMS-1, but you can achieve substantially the same result - and save a fair bit of money - by ordering the satellite version of the 100s from Ohm. These speakers are rolled off below 80hz (where you'd probably cross them, anyway) and would bring the cost of this system down so that it's right in line with your budget.
The Ohms are omnidirectional speakers which have a dedicated following on this forum - see the long-running Ohm Micro Walsh Tall thread. I'm 100% sure that they're not for everybody, but the Ohms definitely win over a fair number of those who give 'em a shot. Similarly, I found digital room correction (SMS-1) with good subwoofers pretty addictive once I tried it. The system allows for easy, seamless integration and smooth bass response via optimal placement of the subs and, where necessary, EQ, all aided by video readout.
There may be somthing else out there in your price range that you prefer, but I certainly haven't heard anything that I prefer.
Good Luck,
Marty
PS You can substitute a single sub or use SVS subs (I haven't heard 'em, but they're highly regarded) and save a few hundered dollars (or more), as well. The return policy still applies, and it's nice to have that in your back pocket.
1 Pr. Ohm 100s @app $1700 (direct from Ohm)
Velodyne SMS-1 subcontroller @app $450 (from AudioAdvisor.com)
1 Pr. Rythmik Audio 12" subs @app $700 X2 (direct from RythmikAudio.com)
Total cost is app $3500 (NEW), and all can be returned if in-home performance proves unsatisfactory to you. In my room, performance has been absolutely terrific. I should add that I use an NHT x-2 ($300, raising the total budget accordingly) as a low cut for my mains because I don't like the low cut in the SMS-1, but you can achieve substantially the same result - and save a fair bit of money - by ordering the satellite version of the 100s from Ohm. These speakers are rolled off below 80hz (where you'd probably cross them, anyway) and would bring the cost of this system down so that it's right in line with your budget.
The Ohms are omnidirectional speakers which have a dedicated following on this forum - see the long-running Ohm Micro Walsh Tall thread. I'm 100% sure that they're not for everybody, but the Ohms definitely win over a fair number of those who give 'em a shot. Similarly, I found digital room correction (SMS-1) with good subwoofers pretty addictive once I tried it. The system allows for easy, seamless integration and smooth bass response via optimal placement of the subs and, where necessary, EQ, all aided by video readout.
There may be somthing else out there in your price range that you prefer, but I certainly haven't heard anything that I prefer.
Good Luck,
Marty
PS You can substitute a single sub or use SVS subs (I haven't heard 'em, but they're highly regarded) and save a few hundered dollars (or more), as well. The return policy still applies, and it's nice to have that in your back pocket.