Where do I start-amp or speakers ?

I have a 13' X 28' living room but my second audio system.  I bought used Legacy Signature IIIs and have a radically modified Dyna 70 as well as an EAR 890 to drive them.  They are very efficient and easy to drive (an 18 watt Sherwood receiver is what I used to test them).  The Signature IIIs go for $1500-$2000 used and the EAR 890 goes for under $4000 used.  It is an excellent coupling (upgrade the EAR 890 with a Synergistic Research Blue fuse).  You'll save money for other upgrades such as wiring.

I suggest that you think of what type of speaker you want and then you can narrow your choice of amplifier. You can do that the other way around as well; however, the amp can be placed anywhere but the speakers should have an optimal location. As to speaker, what is it that you want for the money, a balanced speaker in terms of dynamics, bass extension, wide or narrow listening area, tonal fullness...? When you decide on the type of sound you want, you can choose a speaker and mate it with the proper amp. As to electrostat and planar, I suggest a beefy solid state amp. As to dynamic speakers with high efficiency, a tube amp. For those dynamic speakers with low impedance and difficult to drive, again preferably solid state or some huge tube amps (too expensive for you). So, it’s your decision how you want the speaker to act first, then choose the amp.

You can alter the listening area with Hallographs and Synergistic Research Atmospheres/HFTs. They can widen the listening area and focus the sound but that’s more than you are willing to spend.

That’s why I suggested used high efficiency dynamic speakers with low coloration and easy to drive overall for tubes or solid state. You don’t have to buy new to get great sound.