Best 5.1 options under $5k

In my opinion, the SVS are okay but they are not the greatest resolution speaker.  The best speakers I know of in this budget level are the Elac Debut Reference (DFR52, DCR52, DBR62).  The SVS will sound a little dull in comparison to the Elac Reference.

The SVS subwoofers are really good for the money, but I think they have a characteristic sound.  This type of sound is very popular among the consumer electroncs crowd.  In my opinion, Rythmik Audio makes a better subwoofer that is more neutral and realistic in the bass tones.  You will most likely be happy with either.  That being said, I always recommend getting a ported sub for home theater purposes (as opposed to a sealed sub).

It is a taste thing.  Sealed subs generally sound more clean, but they do have somewhat of an artificial sound to them (a very slight slant) where it almost sounds like a sine wave. 

Ported subs, on the other hand, sound thicker and meatier.  In my opinion, ported subs just sound better.  There is an argument that ported subs create distortion (which could be true).

I've listened to a lot of subs and I've also listened to both SVS speakers and ELAC speakers on the same system.  That is my basis for my opinions.