Try not to completely rule out “simple face plates”. Hegel for example are excellent integrateds, with minimalist, modern looks. Parasound is another good example with the Hint 6 integrated, or a separates system. Very affordable and capable. Pass Labs used is a nice start too. You can put together a nice, but “used” Audio Research separates system together if you choose wisely and even get a good hybrid tube pre/SS amp for good starter $$. Speakers are another discussion entirely. You will get a different “opinion” from every answer. You’ll need to see what you have available to audition. A recommendation from here can be good, but still a crap shoot as a speaker that sounds amazing in one room/setup, might not in another. Then there are cables... and everything else. Just realize you are embarking on a journey, and unless you get REALLY lucky, you will most likely be seeking out just the right everything for awhile.