You got $10000, build a system.

If you truly need to limit yourself to $10,000.....

1) You'll probably need to go with a receiver rather
than separates. Check out something like a
B & K 307, used. This will be the brains and
amplification for your system. I've seen them
going for around $1,500.

2) Since you've gone with a receiver, you'll want to
pick efficient speakers -- ones that are easy to
drive. I recommend Monitor Audio. Get the top
of their line, used for around $5,000 for GR-60's,
center, and surrounds.

3) DVD player -- Get a Denon 1600 used for around
$300. This will also play DVD-A.

4) CD/SACD player -- get a Sony SCD 777ES, used
for around $1,500. This is a reference quality
CD/SACD player and you can also have it upgraded
further later if you get the upgrade itch.

5) Screen -- you'll have to go with a used Sony Wega
16X9 HD ready type of unit -- get the biggest and
best you can for around $1,500.

6) Cable and Wire -- Generic 12 AWG 99.99% OFC
speaker cables. Get interconnects from an AV
site like PartsExpress or AVCables.

Your speakers and source will grow with your system.
Later, when you want to upgrade, you will start by getting better amplification, using your receiver as a
pre-amp. Next, you will eliminate the receiver and get
a legit pre-pro. Next, you will buy an AC conditioner.
Last thing you will do is upgrade your cables.

Alternative ---

**All used prices.......

Anthem AVM 20 -- $2,500

Anthem MCA-50 -- $1,500

Paradigm 100's -- $1,500

Paradigm center and surrounds -- $1,000

Revel B-15 subwoof -- $2,000

Denon 1600 DVD DVD-A Player -- $300

Sony SCD777ES CD/SACD -- 1,500

I am not Canadian. I recently spent some time
shopping with a friend who is on a budget. Paradigm and Anthem are owned by the same parent company. When Paradigms and Anthem were paired, it seemed
to me that there was excellent synergy there and a
lot of bang for the buck in that price range. When one
is on a budget and -- obscene as it sounds -- $10,000
is a stringent budget, I think it is wise to go for those
kinds of components that get you close to stuff that
costs twice as much.

I also think the tiny minority of people who have problems with the Paradigms probably aren't using enough amplification. Often, it seems the complaints come from a poster trying to run them with a receiver. But, the Anthem MCA-50 has plenty of power to make the Paradigms sing. The Paradigms were likely voiced to work with Anthem equipment.

But -- hey -- don't take my word. The Anthem AVM20
and Paradigm 100's have gotten rave reviews from
many different audio critics. When they agree with
me like that, I have to say they really know what they talking about. :-)