Separates suggestions appreciated

Thanks for the time all.
migrating to separates during an upgrade to 4k before too long. Currently running a Pioneer Elite SC-07. No specific complaint but I think separates would allow me to keep my amp (and get a good one) without being obsoleted by the video end of things. maybe a dumb idea but........
My speakers are ERA all around (they should take up to 250W)  and i would call them neutral to warm that respond to power. They are 8ohm on paper and feel a bit low on the efficiency side.
A decent processor with pre-outs is about $1k (thinking maybe a Marantz SR5013) but Im a bit conflicted about an amp. Thinking Monoprice, Classe, Rotel, and such (keeping it under $2500 USD would be nice). With 90% HT and 10% 2 channel I would like to punch up the brightness a touch but keep a decent punchy bass.

appreciate any suggestions or maybe im being a knucklehead and should just stick with the receiver.

cheers
Paul