Need help! First step into high end audio

and the balance on just a pair of the nicest speakers you  can find on sale. JBL offers steep discounts from time to time on the 500 series. I would get these 580's at the huge discount before it ends

https://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+580BK.html?dwvar_STUDIO%20580BK_color=Black-USA-Current&cgid=loudspeakers

You can get the matching 520 center channel later as budget allows, same for the matching 530 surrounds. the sub can be any brand but speakers should match.

This reviewer on youtube (zeos) loves the 5 series and bought every speaker in the series, here is his review of the 580’s:

I recently bought a 75" smart Sony TV. eARC from the TV goes to a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers via HDMI, providing uncompressed audio. Roon goes to the speakers via Ethernet, providing up to 192/24 audio. An Oppo 205 goes to the speakers via coax, also providing up to 192/24 audio. I think the KEFs list for around $2.8K, but can be had for less. I paid $2.2 for a used pair with stands. I use a pair of KEF KC62 subs that list for $1.5K each, but I paid $2.4K for a used pair. The KEF app provides DSP and integrates the speakers and subs. The sound of the setup is amazingly good at a fraction of the cost of a single Ayre component in my main setup.

@monkeykibble

I would suggest putting together a home theatre system with 5.1 or more - something fairly reasonably priced like paradigm; and powered monitors for your 2 channel music system. For gaming, you can easily configure a receiver to switch to 2 channel/ extra sound effects etc.

You can also add a bluetooth transmitter to the input of powered monitors and play music from your smartphone.

in my opinion, this is an optimal set up if you simply want to enjoy movies/gaming/music.