Try to audition Teac ai-1000, 2000 or even 3000. They can be had on ebay for 40% off. They have parts found on much much more expensive receivers, and sound like it too.
I was really impressed with the pleasant hifi from Teac of all the makers - you wouldn't normally expect hifi from mass company like them, but this is exception.
Sometimes companies like Sony, Denon, Marantz can come up with affordable hifi gears that are good value...
Concerning speakers, you should really audition them your self - they are so personal and subjective...
I like JBL L-300, Paradigm Studio, Usher, etc. but I am into Opera and my speakers won't do for other type of music, and vice versa...
I was really impressed with the pleasant hifi from Teac of all the makers - you wouldn't normally expect hifi from mass company like them, but this is exception.
Sometimes companies like Sony, Denon, Marantz can come up with affordable hifi gears that are good value...
Concerning speakers, you should really audition them your self - they are so personal and subjective...
I like JBL L-300, Paradigm Studio, Usher, etc. but I am into Opera and my speakers won't do for other type of music, and vice versa...