As a budget minded person, I think you definitely have to take a serious look at the Anthem MRX series. You can even use a separate amp or even a good stereo integrated to drive the 2 front channels. The Anthem has one of the best room correction system on the market and it comes with the microphone, mic stand and software. If you enjoy movies or concerts (on blurays) you will love this system.
I shopped all over to find a amp/preamp combo that would give me the best of both worlds at a reasonable price(yes I am also and audiophile) and I recently bought the Anthem MRX 510 and a Hegel H80 (which drives the front channels, it has a home theater by-pass). I defy anyone to find a better overall solution for all my needs at less than $4,000 (Amp/ pre amp).
I shopped all over to find a amp/preamp combo that would give me the best of both worlds at a reasonable price(yes I am also and audiophile) and I recently bought the Anthem MRX 510 and a Hegel H80 (which drives the front channels, it has a home theater by-pass). I defy anyone to find a better overall solution for all my needs at less than $4,000 (Amp/ pre amp).