I consider myself a beginner / entry level audio enthusiast. I want to get better quality sound. Here's what I have:

Yamaha 7.1 receiver

Paradigm Esprit B/P loudspeakers

Velodyne CT100 subwoofer

This setup cost me about $1,000 5 years ago.

I went to a store today and listened to a McIntosh setup with $10,000 B&W speakers and I loved it.

I don't have that kind of money though.

My first question to the experts is, is it possible to get similar quality sound with a smaller speaker + a subwoofer? vs bigger loudspeakers.

Thanks