Charlotte, NC.
well there are plenty of nice sound systems that can be pieced together for a lot less. It just a matter of what makes you happy in the audio/video department whether that be a HTIB or a $20k HT systemThe key is to knowledgeable about what you're buying. There are plenty of internet direct companies that make extremely nice speakers for not a lot of cash compared to what you would get in a brick and mortar store.
Check out...
theaudioinsider.com
emotiva.com
aperionaudio.com
ascendacoustics.com
svsound.com/products-spks.cfm
axiomaudio.com
or if you like my speakers, best buy magnolia who was a dealer of Vienna Acoustics is no longer carrying them and they are closing them out for anywhere between 50-70% off list...
just some suggestions if you are looking to get going.
Small world. I live in Charlotte, too. Very nice apartment.