Where do I start-amp or speakers ?


While in the midst of downsizing I sold all my gear: Krell monos, Thiel CS6’s, Thiel 2.4’s, EAD Powermaster 2000, Thiel MCS1, etc.
I am now left with a headphone system based on the entry level Schitt headphone amp, Freya preamp,& a very nice Vinyl NIrvana Thorens 125 turntable,
So how’s that working out for you, you ask? Not so well. I need speakers & amp!
 I went from 2900 sq ft. To 1600 sq ft; a 25x24 room to an 18 x 16 room (high 20-24 ft cathedral ceiling, though, at least.)
I’m now on the way to build a new system , one component at a time; Ceiling is 4K per unit. Every time I see a nice amp, then I see a fine pair of speakers. Back and forth. Do I start with an amp or with speakers? Input, input........
michaeljbrown
+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!
Speakers, always speakers.  The true heart of the system in my IMO, and absolutely the least "accurate" component in any system (well, some SET's...).  Speakers are all colored to some extent, find what you like there first, then move on.