Dude, don't believe the people who say you can't have a great system. You can.
Also, video is the most satisfying part of HT and outweights audio imho. That big screen is where your audience will be glued. I would for instance definitely go with a fixed frame stewart. Stewart is the hollywood of the industry, and they are built absolutely amazing, and all custom spec'd. You can always switch out fabrics later. Customer service is top notch, and why put a V8 in a Yugo if you know what I am saying. Spend the whopping 500 more than a Dalite, and do it right the first time.
For a pj, i recommend the Sanyo PLV 70 or NEC HT1000. Both can be had under 5k. + 1200 for a screen = 6200. No scalar required for EITHER. Don't do retractable screen either to keep cost down.
Stick with surefire things on audio--M&K S150s across the front, SS150s in the rear. That should be 3k. Awesome HT sound, all mountable, and designed for HT. I have heard Apollo 13 on these, and it is jaw-dropping for the price.
For electronics, I agree on separates as you can get good separates for same price as mega receiver. Go with a B&K Ref 50 and a Sherbourn 5/1500A. That should be 3.5k. Couple SVS subs for another 1500 and you are in business. BTW, since you want the earth shaking i have included 2. Contact SVS with your room requirments and go with there suggestion. Again, another company with exception service. 8k on the audio side.
Your dvd player should be the latest and greatest Panasonic for under 200 bucks.
That leaves the remaining 4k for seats/room acoustics. Cables i suggest building yourself, and save your self hundreds of dollars. Either that, or go to bluejeancable.com Well-built, not expensive.
See, you can do it, and many have done it for less. BTW, you could even conceivable go HD2 with this budget if you find a good price. My personal fav (and the one i own) is the Marantz S2.
Good luck!
KeithR
Also, video is the most satisfying part of HT and outweights audio imho. That big screen is where your audience will be glued. I would for instance definitely go with a fixed frame stewart. Stewart is the hollywood of the industry, and they are built absolutely amazing, and all custom spec'd. You can always switch out fabrics later. Customer service is top notch, and why put a V8 in a Yugo if you know what I am saying. Spend the whopping 500 more than a Dalite, and do it right the first time.
For a pj, i recommend the Sanyo PLV 70 or NEC HT1000. Both can be had under 5k. + 1200 for a screen = 6200. No scalar required for EITHER. Don't do retractable screen either to keep cost down.
Stick with surefire things on audio--M&K S150s across the front, SS150s in the rear. That should be 3k. Awesome HT sound, all mountable, and designed for HT. I have heard Apollo 13 on these, and it is jaw-dropping for the price.
For electronics, I agree on separates as you can get good separates for same price as mega receiver. Go with a B&K Ref 50 and a Sherbourn 5/1500A. That should be 3.5k. Couple SVS subs for another 1500 and you are in business. BTW, since you want the earth shaking i have included 2. Contact SVS with your room requirments and go with there suggestion. Again, another company with exception service. 8k on the audio side.
Your dvd player should be the latest and greatest Panasonic for under 200 bucks.
That leaves the remaining 4k for seats/room acoustics. Cables i suggest building yourself, and save your self hundreds of dollars. Either that, or go to bluejeancable.com Well-built, not expensive.
See, you can do it, and many have done it for less. BTW, you could even conceivable go HD2 with this budget if you find a good price. My personal fav (and the one i own) is the Marantz S2.
Good luck!
KeithR