Starting From Scratch - What would you do?

I agree with the post about beginning with the speakers. If you are not happy with those you will not be happy with the rest of the system. Begin with the speakers you love and work backwards from there.

Get a Lenco, either rebuilt or for DIY rebuild. Front end is most important, and that's the best you can get in your price range (or maybe in any price range). Best way to hear what your speakers (whatever they turn out to be) can do, and more importantly, to hear your music.

Just for something a little different - Jadis Reference Orchestra integrated - or if you require more power and SS, a Gryphon Callisto 2200; depending on your budget - Proac Reference 8 signatures, B&W 805Nautilus, Sonus Faber Guarneris, or Wilson Sophias - all with a REL sub, Strata or Storm; an entry level MBL CD (or an old ARC CD1).

With some,no a lot of searching around, listening to all sorts of amps, speakers, cd players, etc... I was able to put together an "awesome" system. DK integrated(MKII is great, and cheap used) Reimer Wind Rivers(see clearsound here at audiogon, the Consonance cd-120 cd player,and Reality cables, too. Everyone that has sat for a listen has been awed.Even the wife. No more complaints on the cost, so there! The custom Reimers with the 10" woofers are a dream come true. My audiophile friends have told me,"You did it!" and "I want those!" It is worth the time and effort if you are spending serious money for serious performance. Can I do better. Isuppose, but man am I a happy camper. Good luck with your quest!

Yes, you should probably begin with the speakers you love and work backward, but that doesn't mean you have to buy the speakers first and then the rest. I found the speaker range that I wanted first, and then I bought my amp. When I finally got the speakers, I was quite satisfied with the combination.