I had Solid State,an old Sansui integrated beast(very nice though)from the 70's.I now own the Wright WPA 3.5's and am using a Eastern Elecric Minimax preamp with that.Used you should be under $2000.Brand spanking new you will be about at $2500.Read some reviews of both of these products and i don't think you will be to dissapointed in having at least auditioned them.You can audition the Minimax for 30 days with full money back FYI.Speakers are another matter.I happened to own very efficient horn speakers and ya know they were not very expensive and sound terrific.They are the Bag End TA15 cabinet in birch.I believe they are discontinued but are now made as a trapezoid speaker.They are large but there is also the lil brother with the 12" woofer and horn that i also own in birch.Very nice speakers but not as open as the larger speaker with the larger horn.Both are around 103-101 db efficiency and are driven WELL(all styles)for my tastes with only 4 watts with this preamp.The speakers do not have great wife appeal but they sure sound fine to me.All within your budget i believe.Oh but what about CABLES!! hah ; )
Good luck and let us know how your journey turns out!
Good luck and let us know how your journey turns out!