In general, I'd advise thinking about the long term. Ask: will I always be in the upstairs room with smallish dimensions? This might change your approach somewhat.
For what you describe, I'd go this way. Prices are approximate, presuming you'd shop around some for slightly used/demo stuff:
-Rogue Sphinx integrated w. phono stage: $1200.00
-Sony HAP-Z1ES digital server (you'll stop using CDs forever, and you'll be able to stream Spotify too): $1800.00 (or less)
-Vandersteen speakers that you mentioned: $750.00 (?), because you like them. Or get smaller monitors (ELAC?), many possibilities for <$1000.00
-Hsu Research Subwoofer (various models available): $500.00. Subwoofer is the best way to get real bass in a small room.
-Use the stock power cords for now. Upgrade them later or not. Use the rest of your budget for inexpensive interconnects and some speaker cables.
good luck!
For what you describe, I'd go this way. Prices are approximate, presuming you'd shop around some for slightly used/demo stuff:
-Rogue Sphinx integrated w. phono stage: $1200.00
-Sony HAP-Z1ES digital server (you'll stop using CDs forever, and you'll be able to stream Spotify too): $1800.00 (or less)
-Vandersteen speakers that you mentioned: $750.00 (?), because you like them. Or get smaller monitors (ELAC?), many possibilities for <$1000.00
-Hsu Research Subwoofer (various models available): $500.00. Subwoofer is the best way to get real bass in a small room.
-Use the stock power cords for now. Upgrade them later or not. Use the rest of your budget for inexpensive interconnects and some speaker cables.
good luck!