With $3k, I'd be inclined to budget about a third each for AVR, 5 speakers, and a subwoofer (or two).
One such combo:
A pair of sealed SVS 10 inch subs
A Marantz or Integra AVR equipped with Audyssey xt 32 pro
5 Gallo A'Diva speakers
I'd add a Sony Blu Ray player at less than $100 to complete the system.
Provided that the AVR has sufficient power for the speakers you choose, I think any of the XT 32 equipped models represent the point of diminishing returs for AV electronics. Similarly, the dirt cheap Sony players provide a great picture and adequate + SQ so I'd save money there and use HDMI to access the higher quality DAC in the AVR. Subs and speakers will be more of a compromise on a $3 k budget, but the combo above should be very satisfying in most rooms.
The first place I'd allocate additional budget would be loudspeakers, followed by subs, followed by AVR, followed by BR player.
Just one more perspective for you to chew on.
Good Luck with the hunt
Marty
One such combo:
A pair of sealed SVS 10 inch subs
A Marantz or Integra AVR equipped with Audyssey xt 32 pro
5 Gallo A'Diva speakers
I'd add a Sony Blu Ray player at less than $100 to complete the system.
Provided that the AVR has sufficient power for the speakers you choose, I think any of the XT 32 equipped models represent the point of diminishing returs for AV electronics. Similarly, the dirt cheap Sony players provide a great picture and adequate + SQ so I'd save money there and use HDMI to access the higher quality DAC in the AVR. Subs and speakers will be more of a compromise on a $3 k budget, but the combo above should be very satisfying in most rooms.
The first place I'd allocate additional budget would be loudspeakers, followed by subs, followed by AVR, followed by BR player.
Just one more perspective for you to chew on.
Good Luck with the hunt
Marty