You did not say whether you would consider used. I had great luck buying used on Audiogon, particularly in your budget range, as many people here trade up and have taken great care of their equipment.
So many options, but my first system was a Marantz PM-8005 integrated amp ($1,200 new), a Marantz SA-8004 SACD player ( current model Sa-8005 is $1,200 new), and Focal chorus speakers with Blue Jeans Cable speaker cables and interconnects. My actual cost used was:
PM-8005 - $500
SA-8004 - $600
Focal 836V speakers - $1,200
Cables - $100
Complete system for $2,400 that met every expectation I had for a first system. In fact, it could have lasted me a lifetime if I had not contracted upgraditis.
These were my choices, but I completely agree with others in that I auditioned many speakers before buying anything. I happen to love the "Focal" sound, and, by reading many posts on this forum, focused on electronics that people felt paired well with this brand.
Good luck and have fun.