Sadly, $1500 ($1000 speakers, $500 AVR) is very very lean. So, at this point we have to inquire as to our expectations?
I think most here would consider speakers in the $500/pair range to be entry level.
For Subs, the same, about $500 is the entry level for good Subwoofers.
But to your benenfit, $500 is also the entry level of AV Receivers. While not the best, a $500 AV Receiver is pretty good.
And ...yes.... you can by a complete compact 5.1 Lifestyle system for $1000. The question isn't can you buy it, but do you want it, and that brings us back to expectations.
I think you can go to Walmart and buy a complete
Home Theater in a Box system for about $200, but would you want that system. Somebody must want them because they keep selling them.
Equally you can go to Walmart and by a complete 5.1 Sound Bar system for $200 ...but... would you want that system?
....expectations....
This would most certainly be a worthy system - Q Acoustic 3000 -
https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-3020-Bookshelf-Speakers-Graphite/dp/B00TR7I1EY
https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Bookshelf-Speakers-American-Walnut/dp/B00TR7JK7Q
Having had both in my home, I prefer the Graphite finish, and this from someone who does not like Black Speakers.
Here is the matching Center -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V6ADU0K?m=A3EWOB9ML2A8ST
So, for those Threes speakers we have -
$290/pr = Q Acoustic 3020 Bookshelf Speakers
$180/ea = Q Acoustic 3090C Center Speaker
$500/ea = Subwoofer of choice
----------------------------------
£970 = Total
That does not include Surround Speakers, but those are more difficult, and are contingent on what is possible and workable in your specific room.
The Smaller
Q Acoustic 3010 bookshelf speakers are $200/pair.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TR1QOEY?m=A3EWOB9ML2A8ST
The
Q Acoustic 3020 (5" drivers) are 9" deep. I have my on open 12" shelves with no problem. I suspect, pushed forward to the edge of a 15" Cabinet would not be a problem, especially if you line the cabinet cavity with Acoustic Foam. Acoustic Foam comes in a variety of colors, the standard charcoal, but also green, blue, maroon, and so on.
https://www.atsacoustics.com/foam-wedge-acoustic-panels-12charcoalblue.html
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA8GS3197136
https://www.newegg.com/Soundproof-Store-Effects/BrandSubCat/ID-130820-3395
It might also be wise to raise the speakers up a bit on small speaker stand similar to this -
We can trim back on the Subwoofer. Here are two good options -
Dayton Audio Sub-1000, 10", 100 watts - $120 -
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628
BIC Forumula F-12, 12", 475w - $220 -
https://www.parts-express.com/bic-formula-f-12-12-475-watt-subwoofer--303-436
These are both considered good Subwoofers for the money.
Dayton also makes a 12" Sub -
Dayton Audio Sub-1200, 12", 120w - $148 -
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629
These are Dayton's lowest cost Sub, they make Sub that run up near $1000.
However truly good powerful Subs are going to run closer to $450 to $650 on the low end.
The
BIC Formula F-12 is pretty highly rated, and if you check YouTube you will find many positive reviews, and given the modest price, represents a good deal for someone on a budget.
https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M
Of course there are many other Subwoofers to consider in this lower price range.
On a higher level, the SVS SB-1000 would be good Sub, though more expensive, for someone who likes a compact unit with very controlled bass.
SVS SB-1000 Sealed Sub, 10", 300w, Black Only - $499 -
https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000
As far as AV Receiver, there are many to choose from in the roughly $500 price range -
Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer, and others -
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX2300/Denon-AVR-X2300W.html?tp=179
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXV583/Yamaha-RX-V583.html?tp=179
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVS930H/Denon-AVR-S930H.html?tp=179
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXA670/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-RX-A670.html?tp=179
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXA760/Yamaha-AVENTAGE-RX-A760.html?cc=02
That should help get you started on actual equipment.
Accessories4Less is selling B-Stock, but for people on a budget, they represent exceptional value, and are most certainly worth considering.
http://www.accessories4less.com/
At
Accessories4Less, these speakers would do a very good job for you -
Cambridge Audio SX-60 Bookshelf Speaker - 6.5" Drivers - $230/pair -
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak....5-bookshelf-speakers-dark-walnut-pair/1.html
Cambridge Audio SX-50 Bookshelf Speaker - 5.25" Drivers - $150/pair -
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ay-bookshelf-speakers-dark-walnut-pair/1.html
Cambridge Audio SX-70 Center Speaker - 4"Drivers - $140/each -
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...way-center-channel-speaker-dark-walnut/1.html
The Center is relatively small and could probably be placed above you TV angled down slightly. The Dimensions are -
5.4" H x 14.2" W x 9.7” D
Again, that should give you a few workable options in real equipment.
Steve/bluewizard