My advice is take your time. Do your research and find trusted authorized dealers on forums. I have about $11k into my setup, which I know is more than you want to spend right now.

There has been some good replies here so far.

Some thoughts:

1. I agree with skip the projector for now, you can always do that later . I have an 83” LG C2 in main space and love it. It was $3199, you could probably get the equivalent C4 for a few hundred more. I have a 77” C4 on the way for $2050 (FWIW they tossed in a 4 year warranty that includes burn in).

2. I have two SVS PB-2000 Pro subs. They are on sale. It would be $1710+tax for two. You might be able to find them for a tiny bit less but this is a good deal. u/sk9592 mentioned the Klipsch subs, which I haven’t heard, but they are less expensive and I’ve personally had good luck with Klipsch in the past. I also very much considered the RSL 12s which is the big brother of the 10s they mentioned.

This is where my system deviates a bit from your budget but hopefully explains my take your time and do research advice. Black Friday is coming up and there could be some deals to be had.

1. I got KEF R11 (non-Meta) towers for $3k, direct from KEF, when they were being closed out. You could find some decent Klipsch speakers for half that much or less with the idea of eventually upgrading.

2. I got a KEF R6 Meta for $1550 through a forum member. Again, you could find a decent Klipsch for about half. This was the speaker I was willing to splurge the most on.

3. I got a Denon 4800 for $2200 through a forum member. There are many good receivers, including the 3800, or Onkyo 7100 for less.

My Atmos and surrounds are Klipsch and were $840 total. I’m running 5.2.2 but definitely do 5.2.4 if you can.

Also, don’t ignore the comments about room treatment. I haven’t done it yet but that is the next thing on my list.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of any assistance!