What tier do you consider Anthem integrated?

There are SO many undefined variables that have to be considered. Not just that amp itself. Things like a particular interconnect that might work well o one but not so well on the other. then of course there are the design features like what class of AMP each is ruining and so on. Also the purpose you use the amp for. i.e. is it for analogue sources like a turntable, Or Digital sources like CD/DVDs? I see people here asking those exact questions and they must be answered first.

Would a 15yr old Pass walk all over a Anthem STR Integrated? No, not in my opinion.

I have the STR Stack and I’ve been very happy with the sound. Having ARC takes things to a whole new level when used properly. I have a decent sized floor stander in a small(ish) room (see virtual system) and having the ability to manipulate the sound to my taste and not overloading the room is great. That said, even without ARC I would still take the STR because I like the Anthem sound. 

@sunshdw Wow! That setup is killer. Those speakers are gorgeous. Is the sound signature of those like higher end Dynaudio or Sonus Faber?(are those two brands considered warmer type speakers?) Or are they more lively forward and revealing/clinical transparent sounding?

Thanks for the input on your satisfaction with the Anthem. I think maybe the integrated would be a good buy. I'm reluctant to get loaded integrated that have dacs and phono stages and crossovers all by the preamp and power supply. I am concerned that a all in one value amp may have decreased SQ, or I'd be paying for features I didn't want or would wind up upgrading externally later, etc. Maybe I should consider Hegel as well as Anthem.

@mesch , you don't sound snarky at all. I'm sure it's hard to help somebody that has no idea what they want and has no stores in their area to listen to anything. It's just gonna be a blind buy. I keep thinking if I increase my budgethat maybe I stand a better chance of getting something quality. But  if it winds up too clinical and revealing as opposed to musically detailed and warm (my sound preference I believe) I'd hate to waste all that money and wind up disappointed with my purchase. So  I go round and round with indecision. You and @soix  and a bunch of others here have been very helpful and educational but it's really hard when I can't physically listen to the assortment of items to choose from. Plus, I want to purchase wisely and get great bang for my buck. (This will be a huge purchase for me) I don't have a super lucrative job, and it's a big budget to risk becoming. unhappy with if I make a poor choice.. Relying simply on descriptions from others instead of being able to physically hear it myself plays a big part in the indecision not to mention all the choices available and all the ranges of price points for varying gear.  I keep running across stuff that interests me and it prevents me from making a decision about anything. Most recently the speakers of @sunshdw  Look super appealing, As well as some triangle Delta signature speakers that are probably too big for my area. But those intrigue me as well. Anyway guys, the struggle is real. Thank you for your support and patience as I suffer through educating myself and trying to make a purchase blind (and  metaphorically deaf) because I can't audition really anything in my area other than Best Buy stuff.

Budget is still $5k but I keep wanting to increase that. $5k is a good start for now for the first piece or two though. I need to be patient and build this over time with quality pieces. First amp and speakers,  then dacs and wires,  etc.

@labguy Yes, I very much appreciate your situation. Was there once myself. I would stick to your budget. One can put together a very nice system with a budget of 5K for amp and speakers.

So, let's consolidate the several threads to provide a better idea of the situation as I understand it. Please correct me where needed. This will help many to better help you.

   You live in an apartment and looking for stand mount speakers that need be placed near the front wall in a room of 15x12x8' .  Also looking for a SS integrated amplifier that serves speakers well in providing a presentation leaning toward the warm side. I believe integrated is to be line level only, possessing just preamp and amplifier. Currently your only source is a Bluesound Node and may consider the purchase of a DAC to compliment it at a later date. You are up grading from a Yamaha integrated amplifier and set of speakers. Please remind us what models these are. You would consider new or lightly used products. 

One thought that failed to provide is that you might consider purchasing a copy of Robert Harley's book 'The Complete Guide to High End Audio'.  I believe this book serves as the single best text on home audio systems. 

@labguy 

Yeah, my speakers are pretty laid back yet with the ribbon tweeter that keeps the detail. Sadly, Aurum Cantus speakers aren't well known but I can say with certainty that they hit way above their price range. The STR Integrated is loaded up but I can say that shouldn't deter you from buying it. Look at it this way, having the connectivity the STR has you can plug anything you want into it now and in the future.