B&W speakers become different speakers with powerful amps.
I know, Ive had 7 different pr of them.
Do you mean the $5K is just for a proc and amps? Or what?
If its for another display as well, opinions will change a lot.
If youd not mind, clearing up what all is desired would be helpful.
Theres real advantages to going with HDMI. Real advantages. Right off, it saves mucho denaro and vastly simplifies things.
Personally, I feel nothing makes a HT setup like a very large display. Nothing. That and great sub performance are prerequisites there.
Id put $2K into the display. Front projector & screen. Epsom and Optoma both have very well reviewed 1080p LCD pros that go for < $1500 new. One might be DLP. One of them goes for $1350 new! Sorry I cant recall which model numbers for which brand, but I did see the reviews in the past few months. A DIY screen will run $100 - $200 for 100 inch side ot side 16x9 . Or 116 diag WS. Used Stewarts run under a grand usually for 96 diag WS.
I got a BenQ DLP for < $700 and built a screen for < $200. Its only 720p though, but looks fine by all accounts so far.
Id look into what Integra has for a proc either their new 40 or 80 models. Appox $1200 & $1800, respectively. The 80 allows for xlr in and out.
Then Id look into the newer ATI 2000 series amp in 5 ch configuration. Truly balanced topology, 200 wpc @ 8, 300+ @ 4.
I feel youd be better served with their 3000 series 300wpc @ 8, but your budget wont allow for it, unless some other areas get less attention of course.
Keep the sub, but consider stepping up later on.
Youve got to spend a good deal to gain on what the Integra line up gives you feature wise and sound wise. ATI makes amps for a lot of brands. They produce a clean clear powerful sound, with great build quality and support . And its an on shore product! Big beefy, and durable. Its sonic characteristics should mate well with the Booers speakes.
If, as youve not said, it is wanted that the amp be 50/50 HT & music, Ive gotta plug the Butler TDB 5150. it would be a superb match for those BW units without sacrificing too much of the control aspect. It produces a far warmer sonic presentation while still delivering all the sonic cues imbedded In a film soundtrack with good jump factor too. those BW tweeters will love the Butler hybrid amp design new $2.5K - $3K, used $1650 to $1800. 150wpc @ 8, 200 @4.
As the Butler is SE only, thatll put you into the Integra 40 or 9.? At a grand or so too.
Big room? ATI
Closer to a medium sized one ? Butler.
What about sources? Got one?
The default here has to be Oppo if not. $175 $500 new. SDVD to BR multi format disc players which have 1.3 HDMI.
Need cables too?
Blue jeans HDMI from proc to projector < $100.
Thatll all work quite well together Im sure.