Musicrover,
I haven't heard Monitor Audio speakers, but I am familiar with the other brands. None of them are necessarily difficult to drive. For instance, the Totem Arros sound amazing with a Jolida 302b (a 45-ish watt tube integrated in your price range). PSB Stratus Mini's or Silvers or a Von Schweikert VR-2 can be appropriately driven by a similar amp, as well.
Depending on which speaker you choose, you could be well-served by a modest powered integrated, the Jolida 302b being just one example.
Michael
I haven't heard Monitor Audio speakers, but I am familiar with the other brands. None of them are necessarily difficult to drive. For instance, the Totem Arros sound amazing with a Jolida 302b (a 45-ish watt tube integrated in your price range). PSB Stratus Mini's or Silvers or a Von Schweikert VR-2 can be appropriately driven by a similar amp, as well.
Depending on which speaker you choose, you could be well-served by a modest powered integrated, the Jolida 302b being just one example.
Michael