I can describe my system built on used/vintage components to give you an idea what you can do for few thousand dollars with used equipment.
Speakers: Polk Audio SRS 1.2TL - Yes, Polk but it’s from Polk golden years and true monsters. Mine have almost been totally rebuilt with higher grade crossover components and tweeters than original. I built new crossovers with all new components. Cost maybe around $3000 with upgrades. Many think these speakers are about volume but their true strength is the sound quality and imaging (at all levels). I also have a sub and I would recommend something like an SVS SB-3000 if your room is big.
Amplification: Combridge Audio Azur 851W - This amp delivers 200 wpc in 8 ohms and 350 wpc in the 4. The SRS 1.2TL should be around 4 ohms after the crossover upgrade. Plenty of power. Biased towards class A but runs a bit hot though. Got mine used for about $1000. My original plan was to power the SRS 1.2TL with something like a pair of Parasound JC1 monoblocks or a single JC5. Until then the Azur 851W works just fine.
Preamp-DAC: NAD M51 - Smooth and natural sounding DAC that can be used a preamp. Plenty of inputs. Got mine for about $1000 two years ago and can probably be found for less today. I might have opted for the CA Azur 851N preamp/dac/streamer to match the power amp but like the NAD so much I don’t wan’t to bother.
Streaming: Chromcast Audio & Rasberry Pi with RoPieee image for Roon. Cost almost free. :)
I think what I have hoarded sounds pretty amazing but with $8000 you should be able to get components that are considered more "high-end" than mine. :)
The possibilities are endless! I’d focus on the speakers first. You should have plenty of options if you’re willing to spend $4000-$5000 on used speakers ..802 Nautilus maybe.. Have fun!
Speakers: Polk Audio SRS 1.2TL - Yes, Polk but it’s from Polk golden years and true monsters. Mine have almost been totally rebuilt with higher grade crossover components and tweeters than original. I built new crossovers with all new components. Cost maybe around $3000 with upgrades. Many think these speakers are about volume but their true strength is the sound quality and imaging (at all levels). I also have a sub and I would recommend something like an SVS SB-3000 if your room is big.
Amplification: Combridge Audio Azur 851W - This amp delivers 200 wpc in 8 ohms and 350 wpc in the 4. The SRS 1.2TL should be around 4 ohms after the crossover upgrade. Plenty of power. Biased towards class A but runs a bit hot though. Got mine used for about $1000. My original plan was to power the SRS 1.2TL with something like a pair of Parasound JC1 monoblocks or a single JC5. Until then the Azur 851W works just fine.
Preamp-DAC: NAD M51 - Smooth and natural sounding DAC that can be used a preamp. Plenty of inputs. Got mine for about $1000 two years ago and can probably be found for less today. I might have opted for the CA Azur 851N preamp/dac/streamer to match the power amp but like the NAD so much I don’t wan’t to bother.
Streaming: Chromcast Audio & Rasberry Pi with RoPieee image for Roon. Cost almost free. :)
I think what I have hoarded sounds pretty amazing but with $8000 you should be able to get components that are considered more "high-end" than mine. :)
The possibilities are endless! I’d focus on the speakers first. You should have plenty of options if you’re willing to spend $4000-$5000 on used speakers ..802 Nautilus maybe.. Have fun!