I've owned a Meridian 565 for about seven years and it's just about the only piece of gear that I don't ever contemplate replacing. As the center of a dual purpose system, you'd likely need/want to have a 562 linked in to handle a variety of source components so if you go this route, do some homework. In the interest of full disclosure, my 565 is in a full Meridian digital system dedicated to home theater, as I'm fortunate to have a separate all analog two-channel rig (and room).
That said, I believe I'd be perfectly happy with Meridian on double duty and have used my setup for some occasional, extended music listening sessions. On the "downside" the 565 setup requires a commitment, but once dialed in. . .well, read the first line of my post again. With your budget, you can consider the newer Meridian gear, which uses a PC based setup utility that makes this job much easier!
That said, I believe I'd be perfectly happy with Meridian on double duty and have used my setup for some occasional, extended music listening sessions. On the "downside" the 565 setup requires a commitment, but once dialed in. . .well, read the first line of my post again. With your budget, you can consider the newer Meridian gear, which uses a PC based setup utility that makes this job much easier!