ideally, an AVR with front pre-out and a separate stereo preamp or integrated with ’HT Bypass’ (an input for front l and front r that the AVR controls the volume of)
No way in your $1,000 budget, so I would look for good used, and go for a pretty good video 5.1 and simply use the avr’s 2 channel mode for stereo content.
patience to find good deals on better equipment will be rewarded for years afterward. or, don’t spend much, sell/toss it all later when you do it differently.
soundbars solve space/budget/installation issues, but separate speakers will sound better.
front L & R speakers the most important if you want say 3 people wide to get a good l/c/r image, their dispersion pattern makes a huge difference, or at least have easily adjustable toe-in.
none listed currently, but these DBX soundfield 100’s were designed for wide l/c/r, perhaps use something temporarily, keep an eye out for some, or another model designed to do what they do
http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/dbx-soundfield-100-135.html
front center speaker very important to keep close to the image (just below works best), thus think about how to arrange that carefully now.
I used my very compact Bose VCS-10 for many years, surprisingly good
I just changed to a Klipsch center (version with no rear port)
I waited until a good deal on a used one popped up.
live anywhere near Plainfield, NJ. I’ve got some good used stuff on the shelves I want to move outta here with as little effort on my part as possible!!!
onkyo 5.1 receiver
bose center channel
small speakers good for rear l/r channel use (3 optional pairs: energy/boston/b&w)
I also have a 2 channel stereo receiver that has 2 sets of speaker outputs, with remote control.
close enough? drop by, look, listen, have fun, learn something that helps you with other choices now or later.