Need Help

Since you are starting out, and don't know what speaker you like, I would recommend going to as many dealers as you can.
Just listen. Eventually, you'll find a speaker that 'sounds right' to your ears. Don't be afraid to audition above your budget. It just lets you see what can be done in a 'perfect' world.
The knowledge you gain will be something you can use for the rest of your life.
Once you have decided what speakers you want, then focus on the integrated amp and sources. Though after all this, I think you'll be looking at separates.-Hifi can be alot like Mr. Blanding's Dream House.
Just my 2 or 3 cents...
Bob

With today’s tech, take a peak at the Simaudio Ace, for a lot less you could go with the Pioneer Elite SX-S30.
I have no idea what speakers you’re wanting to push. 50 watts @ 8 ohms would suffice with 150 watt 8 ohm speakers.

$3000 budget for all 3 things (speakers, sub, and receiver), or $3000 for just the receiver?

$3k is not low at all. I've installed complete high end systems for some very satisfied customers that were $1200 to $2500. Complete systems. Complete means source, amp, speakers, interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, and Cones. That's the key: complete. Things like power cords and speaker cables are not accessories. They are every bit as essential components as the amp and speakers. You need to include them in your budget.

Right now you're confused because the options seem endless with no clear way of figuring it all out. In reality there is a very clear and systematic way and it is proven to work.

First you go and listen to everything in your price range. A $3k budget works out, in round numbers, to about $1k each for amp, speakers, and wire. Listen to everything you can find in this range. Wire breaks down to interconnects, speaker cables, power cords. How many of each depends on your choice of amp. Either way you can see already we have narrowed infinity down to a manageable range to audition.

Now in the process of listening I can just about guarantee you will decide you do not want a receiver after all. There simply are no receivers made that will give you the sound quality of a similarly priced integrated amp. Listening is a learning experience and that is one of the first things you will learn.

The next is you get a lot more for the money with two good speakers than two plus a sub. Don't ask why the world is pushing subs on you if that's the case, just listen and hear for yourself. 

Ditto interconnects, power cords, speaker cables. With $1k total for all you are looking at $200-300 for each. Don't even consider any component that won't accept a power cord. That's not their way of saving you money. That's their way of telling you they just aren't serious about sound quality.

Notice all this is based on what you hear. Only way to go. Notice I am recommending a process only and not any particular piece of gear. Buying based on looks or specs or advice or anything else is setting yourself up to fail. So get off the internet, get out there, and listen.