The best system for $4K? Any help?

[AVRat]

You might consider using in-walls in the columns to minimize depth/impact of columns into the room. Another option is to use an acoustically transparent screen with the center behind it.

http://www.smxscreen.com/
http://www.seymourav.com


For less than $2100
SpeakerCraft AIM LCR 3 x 3 (Front 3 soundstage) http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=240
SpeakerCraft AIM Cinema Dipole Three x 2 (Side surrounds) http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=3768
SpeakerCraft AIM7 MT Three pr. (Rear surrounds) http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=51&products_id=288

 

[Davemcc]

Here is a video of a guy cutting OC 703 panels to make a corner stack Bass absorber. With a creative template, you could make anyshape you want.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3067566258802658704

This is what I did for the two front corners of my room. But my corner traps are 7' tall. It made a huge difference for me. I had the SMS-1 active before I built the traps and could not achieve a flat response. With the traps installed, it is reasonably flat and sounds tight and smooth. This is not an expensive project, either.