Sean is right. What you describe is a receiver-based system.
I'll try to help, but it'll be a real challenge to work with a $3,000 budget. I'll do my best.
There are a few other close choices in the receiver and DVD player category and I wouldn't projectile vomit if someone had other suggestions. I really don't think such other alternatives exist in the speaker category for the price, but I'm open to hearing about (and hearing) other candidates.
FYI, I own a $25,000 system and spent a lot of listening time (and working at a job) putting it together. When it comes to audio snobbery, I'll match upturned noses with the best of them. We audiophiles wear our pretensions like a badge of honor.
So don't be shocked at what I'm about to recommend. And remember that everything I suggest is my opinion. It's the only one I'm qualified to give.
Here goes (costs are street prices):
Speakers: Two Ascend CBM 170s in front, one Ascend HTM-200 in the center (it'll match, but if you are concerned, for a few bucks more you can make the center a 170) and two HTM-200s for surrounds. $750.00. (www.ascendacoustics.com)
Stands for the above mains: $90.00
Receiver: Onkyo TX-DS595 $380.00
DVD Player: Pioneer Elite DV-37 $560.00
Total $1780.00
OK, let's add a powered subwoofer. Sony SA-WM40 $199.00 (if you laugh you haven't heard it).
Total $1,979.00, less tax and/or shipping.
I told you this would be difficult.
You could always spend the extra grand on cables and a power cord (just kidding -- see my post in Audiogon Forum Cables under "John Dunlavy On Cable Nonsense.")
I'll try to help, but it'll be a real challenge to work with a $3,000 budget. I'll do my best.
There are a few other close choices in the receiver and DVD player category and I wouldn't projectile vomit if someone had other suggestions. I really don't think such other alternatives exist in the speaker category for the price, but I'm open to hearing about (and hearing) other candidates.
FYI, I own a $25,000 system and spent a lot of listening time (and working at a job) putting it together. When it comes to audio snobbery, I'll match upturned noses with the best of them. We audiophiles wear our pretensions like a badge of honor.
So don't be shocked at what I'm about to recommend. And remember that everything I suggest is my opinion. It's the only one I'm qualified to give.
Here goes (costs are street prices):
Speakers: Two Ascend CBM 170s in front, one Ascend HTM-200 in the center (it'll match, but if you are concerned, for a few bucks more you can make the center a 170) and two HTM-200s for surrounds. $750.00. (www.ascendacoustics.com)
Stands for the above mains: $90.00
Receiver: Onkyo TX-DS595 $380.00
DVD Player: Pioneer Elite DV-37 $560.00
Total $1780.00
OK, let's add a powered subwoofer. Sony SA-WM40 $199.00 (if you laugh you haven't heard it).
Total $1,979.00, less tax and/or shipping.
I told you this would be difficult.
You could always spend the extra grand on cables and a power cord (just kidding -- see my post in Audiogon Forum Cables under "John Dunlavy On Cable Nonsense.")