Seeking Advice to Improve My Audio System ($1000 Budget)

@gano from the additional reading and research I’ve done (and goodness much of this can be a time sink! You can get lost in the reading.) that seems to be the consensus, bright and fatiguing. I have come to love looking at the design of the Hegel amps, but I think I should leave them for a future upgrade.

I now have changed course, and coincidentally have come very close to one of the entries listed by @petaluman, which is to go Wharfedale Lintons+Yamaha A-S801. I have found a really good deal on this locally for under $2500 and with a 30 day trial period to audition them. From what I have *read* and looking at the range, it doesn’t seem like this would necessarily need a subwoofer. I am curious to know what you all think of this, particularly re: the lack of a subwoofer and the amp choice before I pull the trigger

Regarding comments from @gano ​​​​and @yoyoyaya on the Rega 1 cart, that definitely seems to be the next upgrade needed after this purchase. Frankly, I don’t think I want to keep this one and upgrade it, there is an occasional buzz/hum that sometimes bothers me, and I don’t like having an integrated preamp. I’ll be looking for a new turntable and cartridge after this, which I imagine involves being brave and learning about cartridge alignment, replacement, etc. I’ve spent a lot of time listening, reading and speaking with others about this hobby already (and will be putting a good chunk of money into it!), I might as well ’get real’ with it. I like what vinyl gives me too much to have a bad sound.

re:  Wharfedale Lintons+Yamaha A-S801.

I have had both, not at the same time though. I did not end up keeping them so they didn't end on the top of my list.

The Lintons are very popular and well reviewed. The Yamaha less so. For that price range, I don't think there are better values than Creek, Quad Vena, Mission and Arcam. Musical Fidelity is one price category higher but also terrific value. 

A 30 day trial is the way to go. 

Here is a web site for speaker options: https://speakerchoices.com/

I know it may be frustrating for you that you find a combination you like and people tell you to like something else. It's all subjective there are no wrong choices. Your ear is the smartest guy in the room.

@gano I have come to learn that this is simply a process of acclamation and trial and error. Everyone has an opinion, some are good, some are bad, but the wide range of often contradictory opinions lead me to have a better knowledge of the names, brands to look for in the future along with a greater understanding of the audio equipment world, of which I knew very little about prior to a few days ago and now I know...well, a bit more!

Same thing happened with learning about classical performances, everyone has a different opinion about this or that conductor or interpretation. The large amount of different opinions give you things to listen for, and ultimately be the judge of yourself. It’s fun!

some members here are knowledgeable, eloquent and kind. I have learned 80% of what I know from them.

For $1000 and a real step up.

NAD 316bEE V2 $500

Schiit Modi DaC $129 if you want a digital source.

and a pair of bookshelf or floor-standing speakers from KEF or ELAC. Crutchfield has lots of low price high value speakers in your range. You could easily stay around $1000 or go a little over and get better speakers. 
 

The other path is something like KEF LSX wireless. $1500

good luck