Rate my system/advise

You are on the right track with Parasound. A pre-owned pair of JC1s would make a significant difference to your system. As others have suggested, I would address the power amps before doing anything else. The 803's need both power and refinement and the Parasound's have both. Pass do as well and would be my preferred choice at retail prices. But as you are on a budget, I would look at the pre + series Parasouds pre owned if you can find them. Classe power amps are also a good match. If you are looking at buying new, the Rotel Michis work very well - but they are a little more biased towards power than refinement.

@sbank do you think if I can find a good price on a 10-15 year old Pass Labs pair, that would be a good deal? I'll still probably wait it out at this point, but maybe stay posted on the market for good deals.  

Yes.

I also like the Classe suggestion. They are another Canadian company that gives great value relative to their cost. Used ss amps from them could be a great option for you. Cheers,

Spencer

I predict that you will be totally blown away by this system and will not be heard from again for many months. Enjoy!

Thank you guys so much for your responses. 

@denverfred , haha ya I hope so. That's the plan.

I do have some money in savings that I didn't want to spend, but I'll see how impulsive I am. There is an audio store in my state that carries Classe, Parasound and B&W 800D3 series speakers, and they currently have 2 open box Parasound JC1+ amps for hopefully a good price. They don't carry Audio Research, but I am going to call for a demo and bring my REF6. I might compare the JC1+ and the Classe Delta Mono's if they have them. I wish they carried Audio Research, so I could compare to the REF 80s 2-channel amp.