So the common theme here seems to be go listen!
That is one thing we lost in the transition from dealer networks to direct sales - teh ability go simply go listen. When I could first afford to actually go buy a system, I listened at several dealers and it became clear that one brand in my price range gave me the best combination of tone and dynamics that I was looking for. I purchased a pair of ADS L810s. Many years and systems later, after I had moved on from the L810s, I was frustrated with speakers I had purchased based on reading reviews, so I looked up one of the designers of those L810s and discovered Michael Kelly at Aerial Acoustics. The Aerial line offered similar qualities that I liked about the ADS speakers, but better, and I am still using their speakers.
So, don't read too many reviews but instead go listen at shows or at B&M dealers, if you have one in your area. Get the speakers that provide the sound you like on the music you listen to. After you zero in on the speakers, then work on getting the amplification that makes the speakers sound their best.
Speakers, amplification, and then you can play with whatever front end you want.