What tier do you consider Anthem integrated?

I’ll throw my .02 in here. Someone else described the passlabs as being warm, lush, etc. Anthem products to me have always sounded very “sterile.” Neither is bad. It’s a preference. And I think in most cases, you’d be happy either way.  I prefer a more sterile sound than having a component add something that isn’t there. The downfall of this is that music can sometimes be harsher. I have the anthem separates, and, I love them. But be prepared to hear things you haven’t heard before. Imperfections that weren’t discernible before become more detailed. With Anthem, IMO, you just get what’s there. No color, no warmth or additional smoothness, no lush, unless that’s the way it was recorded. 
 

I guess instead of saying it’s sterile, a better description might be it’s just neutral. It just presents fact based sound. Anthem is very dynamic, tons of power in reserve, and You’re going to hear exactly what the artist recorded without any additional tone change. 

@labguy  I suggest sticking to your budget. The Yamaha A-S501 is a $550 amplifier possessing DAC and Phonostage. I own the A-S701 which I use in an outside system.  $1500 - $2000 spent on a new line level integrated amplifier will prove to be a major upgrade.

There are many speakers around the $2500 range that will make for an improvement over you AE speakers and could be driven by the A-S501 in your environment. 

The right DAC in the $1000 range would improve on the one in the Node.

I support @soix  advice to find the right speaker first then the amplifier. 

@tennisdoc56 ? amps have the internals and build quality that you recommend? I'm all in favor of learning from others experience. Trying to go it alone is overwhelming. I recently watched a YouTube video by "TheAlphaAudio" channel that had me impressed with the Hypex Nilai amp. I just have so many choices that it's overwhelming. I'll shop for speakers first as @mesch ​​​​@soix suggested. Tips and ones to consider are welcome. When it comes to the amps next. Should I only consider csss a/b stuff, or should class d be considered too? Help steer me to some choices that no matter what I pick, it will be solid quality parts and sound. Thanks!

I’d highly recommend the Joseph Audio RM22XL as they are small towers perfect for an apartment and sound sublime — I almost bought these myself.  Here’s a nice pair and a great value at only $1075 and leaves you with a nice budget for an amp, etc.  I notice a little darkening in the finish below where the grill ends from sun exposure, but if you can live with that these could be perfect for your tastes/situation…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649958511-joseph-audio-rm22xl-in-maple/
 

Alternatively here’s another pair in black, but the seller is smoking something offering them for $2200 as they retailed for around $2500 so should be negotiable and sell for no more than $1500 IMHO…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb4a4h-joseph-audio-rm-22-xl-full-range

I heard JA speakers at a show powered by Hegel electronics and the sound was excellent all around and very natural sounding — Jeff Joseph show demos are always stellar — so I’d look for something like a used Hegel H190 integrated you should be able to find for around $2800 used if you’re patient, and it also includes a good DAC that should be very serviceable until you wanna spring for a standalone unit.

Hegel and JA both have a house sound so having heard that combo I’m confident you’d be very happy and impressed with this pairing given your tastes/needs.  Anyway, just one option to ponder and best of luck. 

@soix thanks. I sent seller a message to inquire about shipping as im not close to those. I should also see if i can audition the Nola 3 contender. Any idea what a fair price is for those? The look to be in good condition