In our humble opinion, $2,500 is the sweet spot where things start to get interesting when building a 5.1 setup. Unlike the $1,000 5.1 system we built recently, there aren't any glaring compromises to speak of. The question is: do you want a system that balances performance with aesthetics, or are you all about getting the most bang for your buck? This time we tackle both approaches and let you choose which path to take.
Curious to see what equipment we picked? Click to keep reading.
Read our $2,500 Recommended Home Theater System
So which system do you prefer and let us know how you like this gear if you own or have heard any of it.