Upgrade path question with $2k to spend

I used to use a 90's Sony ES, HT 5.1 amp to run my DIY (morel drivers) speakers and sub.  It was pre-HDMI and lacked other now commonly found  features that i needed.  I then started my first dedicated 2CH system with that Sony amp in Direct mode for stereo, and bought a Yamaha AX840 to backfill my HT setup.  It looks to be about $100 less than yours in the same line.  It totally destroyed the audio SQ of those speakers.  It was apparent on the first track.  As some above have also implied, I (personally)  don't notice the SQ issue in HT that much but that's me.  

In my current 2CH I also use the same cart and TT thru a Vincent Pho8 pre.   Using a now newer, tube amp ($4000 msrp) along  with a modded MHDT Orchid DAC for CDs, I feel the vinyl side holds its own very well compared to the well regarded DAC.  In fact both sources sound pretty amazing.  Not being that familiar with your speakers but knowing the brand's reputation it's my experience that your weak link is the power source.  No, I  can't fix the 2CH vs 5.1 issue at that budget but feel strongly your amp is not the 2CH amp your system is needing.    There are a slew of much better 2CH amps, new and especially used, for $2k.  Maybe work the speaker selector device angle harder and run 2 amps?  For the sub, try using the 5.1 from the HT and the hi-power inputs from the 2CH if sub has both?  Maybe others can help here as I've never "shared" a sub like that.

There has been a lot of good discussion here. From my perspective there are 2 bug upgrades you need to make; your analog rig and your amplification. Either one should produce a fairly large improvement. The amp is probably the less exciting thing to upgrade right now bit will pay huge dividends moving forward. For instance, if you upgrade your TT to something like a clearaudio concept (this would be my choice in that process range) you are going to get much improved sound, but you won't get all the table has to offer because your amplification is not designed for high end music reproduction. I agree that a dedicated 2 channel integrated is the right first move. I like the Rogue sphinx. It will play plenty loud. Later, you can upgrade the TT. And like russ said, be stupid on thr TT, spand more than seems reasonable, but don't do it until you have an amp that can reproduce it well. 

Fun question. My vote would be a two channel integrated amplifier. Something simple that does NOT have an integrated DAC or phonostage - just pre and amp

Right now, I don’t think you will be able to hear the difference if you put more $ into the phono rig, given the limitations of the Yamaha A/V receiver for 2-channel listening

System quality needs some balance across its components, and your phono rig seems well thought out, already - a solid setup

For $2k, you’ve got great integrated choices, new or used. Looking only at “pure” integrated amps (without DAC or phonostage) will help narrow things down quite a bit

Amp may seem less exciting now, but will make a big difference and be the foundation for a TT upgrade later

Let us know what you audition!

Have a great day

Looking at peachtree Nova 300.  That amp looks like it kicks ass.  300 WPC and 0.005% THD?  Thats a lot less noisy than the Emotiva XPA-2 I was looking at and only $500 more.  What do you all think about that amp?  Should I use its built in phono stage or continue w/ my phono-pre?

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