Lots of good advice here. I think those who suggest deciding on speakers first are spot on. If you get a speaker that is too bright/boomy/laid back/etc. for your personal tastes, then it doesn't matter what else you put in the system. You won't like it. Personally, I agree with the recommendation of the Wharfedale Lintons. By all accounts, they have enough bass to fill your room, are easy to drive, have a very musical sound, are a good bargain, can be ordered with stands, and can be demoed with Music Direct's return policy. I think it's about as safe a choice as you can find.
You'd then be able to drive them with any number of reasonably priced integrated amps that have a good phono stage built in - Rega Brio ($995), Music Hall 15.3a ($549). This would be the foundation of a very musical, enjoyable system, and would put you at about $2.500 if purchased new.
Then, you could look at a turntable like the Mobile Fidelity Studio Deck Foundation turntable with cartridge ($1000), your choice of streamer/CD player (sorry, I don't have a digital setup, so I can't really recommend anything specific) for around $1,000), and cables for $500.
In my opinion, an approach like this will allow you to build an enjoyable, engaging system that will just let you enjoy your music collection. And that's what this hobby is all about. A couple of years ago, I downsized from a much more expensive rig to components in the price range you are considering. I was pleasantly surprised by how much good sound could be had for reasonable money. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more.
Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
Scott
You'd then be able to drive them with any number of reasonably priced integrated amps that have a good phono stage built in - Rega Brio ($995), Music Hall 15.3a ($549). This would be the foundation of a very musical, enjoyable system, and would put you at about $2.500 if purchased new.
Then, you could look at a turntable like the Mobile Fidelity Studio Deck Foundation turntable with cartridge ($1000), your choice of streamer/CD player (sorry, I don't have a digital setup, so I can't really recommend anything specific) for around $1,000), and cables for $500.
In my opinion, an approach like this will allow you to build an enjoyable, engaging system that will just let you enjoy your music collection. And that's what this hobby is all about. A couple of years ago, I downsized from a much more expensive rig to components in the price range you are considering. I was pleasantly surprised by how much good sound could be had for reasonable money. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more.
Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
Scott