macdadtexas suggestions are right on but don't forget room treatments. Also, before you spend a dime, get and read Toole's book 'Sound Reproduction' to fully understand the trade offs that HT vs 2 channel stereo will bring. As mentioned, two subs will be a must, and Toole covers that point in his book. Also, you did not mention the size of your room, hope its big, if so look into JBL Everest's. Kimber had them in its room at the RMAF.
No very little Compromise $20K 5CH System?
Already have an iMac and a 52" flat screen. Old school on the question of cabling in general (some good stout lampcord and a trip to Radio Shack'll do just fine) and am looking to build a nice 2 channel setup with a new VPI Classic TT w/Sumiko Blackbird as centerpiece.....only twist is I want it to be 5 channel with a box to play Blue Ray DVDs on (nothing fancy). You'll know where I'm coming from if you've ever pondered a similar quandry...lol. What sort of system would you assemble here from scratch with a $20,000 limit and in a medium sized room where the speakers can sit no further than a foot or so out from the walls? Wide musical tastes -- mostly 60's-80s pop/rock/jazz/blues........very rarely Country or Classical. Thanks.