Complete system for 10k (Audio+video)

Well not knowing anything about your room size, this is what I'd go with many if this price can be gotten right off Audiogon or a deal on close out. This is just my opinion what do other people think. I didn't put any speakers down I think it's an item you need to here in your room with the equipment that you decide to go with. But Company's like Mirage, Definitive, Martin Logan , Polk all have good speakers reasonable priced that work well with both Home Theater and Audio. B&K Ref 20/30has a tuner and also 2 channels so audio will sound better. , but I think the Lexicon is a better Video sytem if a tuner is not important. Cables I don't think are as big of a deal if your not doing true audiophile listening. To recreate an explosion is much easier then a tuned instrument. Just don't go out and buy rat shack cable. Just get good cables(although your componient cables, S-Video, Digital Coaxial should get the most attention) This is my opinion what do others think? TV Mits 45-50 big screen(not HDTV ready) $1500-2000 Pre-amp Processor DD, DTS(upgradeable) B&K REF20/Lexicon DC-1 $1200-1800 AMP 5 or 6 channel (100watts) B&K AV5000/ATI1505 (5 channel) $ 700-1200 DVD HDCD Toshiba 3109/Sony DVD/SACD $ 300-1000 Speakers Fronts $1500 Center $300 Backs $300 Sub $500-700 Cables: Audioquest, Tara, XLO $400

You may get some interesting responses to your question, with some widely varying opinions. I have been an audiophile for a long time, and a HT fan for about 5 years. After a lot of trial and error, I'm very pleased with my current system, which may be a starting point for you (and work within your $10K goal). TV monitor: 36" Sony WEGA TV, or a HDTV-ready rear-projection system in the same price range (such as Toshiba 43"). Front and speakers: Vandersteen 3A's (or used 3A Signatures). Center channel: Vandersteen VCC-1. Rear surrounds: I don't particularly like the Vandersteen rear speakers (too big), so this choice is open. I am currently using a pair of Coincident Triumph Signatures (acquired for $650 used). Surround pre/pro: several choices here, such as Adcom GTP-760 (available for about $1300), or similar units by Rotel, B&K, Anthem, etc. The Bryston SP-1 is a fine unit, but somewhat expensive at $3800 list (can be bought for about $2800). Amplifiers: Bryston 9B-ST 5-channel amp, or Bryston 4B-ST and 5B-ST combination (which is what I am using), or good 5-channel amp from Rotel, B&K, Anthem, Parasound, Acurus, etc. DVD player: lots of choices here, and the final decision rests on how elaborate you want to get. The Pioneer DV-37 is a very good, medium-priced unit (can be gotten for about $650). You should also consider the Sony and Toshiba units with MSRP's in the $1200 range. If you have extra cash that you want to spend on the DVD player, check out the new Pioneer DV-38A (MSRP $1800). With some serious shopping, you can buy the system I have outlined for under $10K (maybe as little as $8K, depending on your choices.)

In the post I just made, I forgot to mention that Vandersteen sells a home theater package, which consists of the Vandersteen 1C main speakers, the VCC-1 center channel, a pair of VSM-1 side/rear speakers, and their 2W subwoofer. I've heard this package, and it's pretty good, but would be much better with the 2Ce front speakers. One of the reasons I suggest looking at the Vandersteen is the emphasis on value (performance vs. appearance), and the fact that the system gives you good full-range performance. There are certainly a number of other good full-range systems, but most cost considerably more than the Vandy system.