With a budget like that, if possible, seek a good dealer or three, and listen to complete systems, not just individual components hodge-podge. Then start narrowing down likes/dislikes, and whatever requirements you need for your system. Then, demo a few systems in your own home/room.
This all may take longer, and more effort on your part, dealers certainly at this price range should have no problem(?) allowing in-home demo-at least I would make it a requirement to do so! Only you know what you like! And the main thing, have fun when you do it, enjoy the process as much as the result!