Where do I start-amp or speakers ?

The first thing you have to sort out is what kind of amp you like- generally, tube or solid state.

From there you make you speaker choice- not the other way around! Many speakers don't play nice with tubes and some speakers don't do so well with solid state. If you start with the speaker, you may be forced to work with an amp you don't like.

If you've not heard a good tube amp, and so were only considering solid state, you might give a tube amp an audition, just to see what you think. This potentially can save you a lot of $$$ down the road.

+1 atmasphere.  Obviously you're a Thiel fan (so am I), but have you heard other speakers out there?  Others I like right up there with Thiel are Vandersteen, Joseph Audio, ProAc, Silverline, and Usher.  Maybe this would be a good opportunity to explore other options if you haven't already?  That said, a no brainer would be to stick with Thiel, although at some point finding replacement parts might be a concern.  You still have a pretty good sized room, and I couldn't help but notice there's a pair of CS6 and CS7 available here now in your price range.  Just sayin'.  Also some Joseph Audio Profiles available here in your price range that may be worth a look if you want smaller floorstanders.  Best of luck. 

michaeljbrown
you sold your CS 2.4 loudspeakers? Which brand (s) are you considering now?
Happy Listening!

+1 Soix, and atmasphere
Thiel and Vandersteen were/are proponents of time and phase correctness. I think they would be worth a look should you wish to look for a substitute-especially now that Thiel is no more.
After years of hearing the 'tube vs SS' debate, I bought Ralph's (atmasphere) amp and preamp and have to say they really make music come alive. One of the better moves I have made...
Bob

Way to go, guys. Very helpful thus far. I have located a Cary 200.2 which is a possible start. It would good amp to build on; I had an AES tube preamp by Cary for a few years, and I really liked it.  I've had a pair of Quicksilver mini monos paired with a pair of gigantic Altec horns, which believe it or not sounded really nice. I did tubes for about a year until I came upon some Krell 250 monos then a pair of CS6's and I was off and running again.
 I heard Joseph Audios at the RMAC in Denver last year, as well as some Ryans(nice!) and a butt load of other speakers as well. I'm considering a trip to Chicagoland for Axpona this year;however, I did find the big audio fest to be confusing after awhile; stumbling off the elevators into hotel rooms crammed with gear, trying to find the "sweet spot" chair..
Thanks to all!