Very new to high end audio - Recomendations

@murphythecat

Audio gear is just like high-end watches.

A watch may cost 40k and the other $400 or $4000

With high-end gear, you are paying for incrimental improvements to already superior pro gear. That extra 10-20% is worth it to some people.

The watch with the highest price likely has a prestigious name behind it. The inner workings are significantly more complex and refined.

With regards to amplifiers and other audio components, the engineers who designed it worked hard to ensure its performance characteristics. Their bills also need to be paid...marketing....and distribution.

On the flip side, cheaper audio gear (and watches) are produced in much higher numbers. The manufacturing process may be much easier as well.

With your budget i would look into buying a set of used pro audio active monitors for your setup. The average pro audio monitor will offer a lot of sound for the money and a high degree of flexibility over the typical home model in that price range.

I personally agree with artemus_5 and I think passive speakers with an integrated amp is the way to get started.
JBL 580s and 590s are good starter speakers. Every 3-6 month JBL sells them off their sight at 50% off or more. They are a screaming deal at this prices. Ignore the list price as they are on sale several times a year.

Klipsch RP600M is also a good starter option.

These might be worth checking out for someone new to hifi gear and looking for some good sound with nice flexibility for inputs.  Local dealer near me sells them and I’ve listened to them many times while at his shop.  Impressive little package with what I feel is a good starting point for new folks on the 2 channel journey and keeping a budget in check.

https://www.kantoaudio.com/powered-speakers/tuk/