I'm a little late jumping in, but I will second the recommendation to look at Monitor Audio speakers. The Bronze are nice at their price point.
Marantz, Cambridge and NAD all make nice integrateds that will be in your budget if you buy used. I would stay away from tube at this price point. Likely won't get the power you need to fill your room.
You don't need fancy cables, but don't go too cheap. They matter. There are some very reasonably priced cables available from Audioquest or Morrow Audio. Morrow even has a trade up allowance if you want to upgrade in the future.
Marantz, Cambridge and NAD all make nice integrateds that will be in your budget if you buy used. I would stay away from tube at this price point. Likely won't get the power you need to fill your room.
You don't need fancy cables, but don't go too cheap. They matter. There are some very reasonably priced cables available from Audioquest or Morrow Audio. Morrow even has a trade up allowance if you want to upgrade in the future.