I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.

Of course it depends on what you value most; smooth rich sound w/ nice subtle details often w/ good 3 D imaging or more live, dynamic sound that can rock out without straining or requiring heroic amplification. Very challenging to find both in speakers that cost under $20K. You’ve got a big room so if you like to play loud & enjoy music w/ real bass, a high sensitivity speaker may be your only choice in your price range. Volti Rivals work very well for me in a big room w/ good tube amplification (Rogers High Fidelity). 

@hilde45 A local guy to me is selling an almost new Blade 1 Meta for $18k. His ad and 2 others for under $20k are on USAM.

I was tempted to buy since the Blade has been my fav speakers for about a decade. However, I decided that the Yamaha NS5000 I own now is something I want to stay with.

Only issue with the Blade for the OP is that the Op’s power amp maybe too weak for the Blades. I would pair the Blades with either the $2k Schitt Wotan or the $20k CODA #16. Both of which I own. Those 2 amps have prodigious power. The Wotan is not at the sonic levels of the #16 (but close). It is at the level of many apps that are considered top notch. Schitt also have a 15-day home trial.

@knotscott 

+1 Yep, look at contemporary speakers. 

I would review Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+ recommended component issues. Concentrate on descriptions that strike you as your liking in sound quality. 

Then get on the road. Make appointments with a couple dealers in advance to audition the best fit two or three. Find the one with the emotional connection. Not just that has the most detail and best slam.

@toontrader Two different worlds, but each intrigue me.

Yes. I’d suggest trying to decide if you want to go the A) higher efficiency speaker and lower power amp route. Or, B) the lower efficiency speaker and higher power amplifier route. Each path provides its own journey and type of sound. Each of these types of systems can provide a very different presentation and experience.

If you are comparing any new to used components, you can ask dealers if they have customers in your region who could show and share their systems - with the speakers or components you are looking at. Sometimes this can work out nicely. I’ve done some 2-day overnighters to go see and listen to other peoples systems. This can be helpful to get ideas of what YOU like. Traveling to a good audio show can be a real eyes and ears opener too. Take your time if you can, it will pay off and prevent major do-overs later on. 

This is exactly the type of discussion and feedback I was hoping for. Hilde45, Thanks for the process notes as well as thoughts from larryi and knotscot. All helpful. Brick and mortar showrooms are hard to find outside of larger metropolitan areas, so I’m trying to first gain insight through verbal discussion and feedback before setting off on my quest during a renovation of my future home and listening room.

History - my first foray into the audio hobby began in the 80’s with Vandersteen 2s, then 2Cs along with Stan Warren’s ugly little Superphon Revalation preamp (replaced by ARC SP9) and Adcom GFA-555 amplifier. My last system in 2005 was based on Thiel CS6es driven by a pair of VTL MB450s. Not sure of the other elements of that final system as I seemed to have been continually moving pieces in and out at the time.

I look forward to enjoying the music again now that I’ve retired with time to focus anew on a most pleasant pastime.