Best 5.1 options under $5k

I think looking at SVS is an excellent idea.  They offer very good performance and value along with outstanding customer service, and their center speaker (crucial for good HT) is superior at the price point IMHO.  If this is strictly for home theater, you could get the SVS Prime Tower surround package with SB2000 Pro sub for $2315 and add an Anthem MRX540 AVR for $1600 and have a damn good complete HT system for $3915.  Just make sure to add some decent cables (Cullen Cable, etc.) that won’t compromise the performance and you’re done.  Best of luck. 

In my opinion, the SVS are okay but they are not the greatest resolution speaker.  The best speakers I know of in this budget level are the Elac Debut Reference (DFR52, DCR52, DBR62).  The SVS will sound a little dull in comparison to the Elac Reference.

The SVS subwoofers are really good for the money, but I think they have a characteristic sound.  This type of sound is very popular among the consumer electroncs crowd.  In my opinion, Rythmik Audio makes a better subwoofer that is more neutral and realistic in the bass tones.  You will most likely be happy with either.  That being said, I always recommend getting a ported sub for home theater purposes (as opposed to a sealed sub).

SVS is decent, but there are better... I don't agree with a ported sub, you want something that is great for everything. DC servo, push-pull is my first choice. Sealed or subs with one passive drivers are good too.

It is a taste thing.  Sealed subs generally sound more clean, but they do have somewhat of an artificial sound to them (a very slight slant) where it almost sounds like a sine wave. 

Ported subs, on the other hand, sound thicker and meatier.  In my opinion, ported subs just sound better.  There is an argument that ported subs create distortion (which could be true).

In my opinion, the SVS are okay but they are not the greatest resolution speaker. The best speakers I know of in this budget level are the Elac Debut Reference (DFR52, DCR52, DBR62). The SVS will sound a little dull in comparison to the Elac Reference.

Uh, @auxinput — what’s your basis for saying this?  Just looking at the center channel speaker, the Elac is a 2-way speaker with a tweeter flanked by two midwoofs reproducing the same frequencies and thus, along with limitations of being a 2-way design, is open to horizontal nodes affecting people sitting off center.  By contrast, the SVS center is a true 3-way design with a dedicated midrange driver located directly below the tweeter.  In my experience a center speaker with a dedicated midrange driver situated directly below the tweeter results in not only better midrange clarity but also more uniform sound from left to right.  Also, of all the reviews I’ve read of SVS speakers, none have mentioned them sounding “dull” and in fact have found them to be very revealing and neutral.  I’d be interested to hear where you’re getting your impressions from because they don’t jibe with anything I’ve read about SVS speakers.  Failing that, I’d reiterate my recommendation for SVS speakers and encourage the OP to read the reviews of all speakers involved.