Amp upgrade suggestions for a $2K budget

Sorry Herbet, I did not mean to suggest that they are the weak link, you may love them and are the speakers you want to build a system around - if that is the case, then looking at your pre/amp makes sense. What I am saying is that if you are looking to make a change, changing speakers will make a much bigger difference (for better or worse) than making changes in your electronics, assuming you already have enough power and current to drive your speakers, which I think you do. So, I'm not commenting on the quality of your speakers at all, I'm simply suggesting that speakers (and your room) are far more important than any changes you can make with the pre/amp. If you love your speakers, the VAC Avatar is certainly one of the finest integrated tube amps you can find, made by a great company, providing great service and support.

Rogue Audio Cronus........Take a look at my system. The Cronus and the Rotel RCD-1072 seem to get along quite well. It's a wonderful sounding integrated amp, and it may be a perfect cornerstone for your system. Good Luck, and Happy Listening !

Any of the Cayin products, used. They are great values and sound terrific. Go with a 100.

Don't get rid of your speakers. I have your speakers and was running a brand new Rotel RB-1582 and RC-1580 amp/pre. The soundstage was no where to be found. I tried all different tweaks. I thought it must be the speakers so I connected my old DM-602's and found out it was the Rotel gear that was giving me problems. I had run the Rotel stuff in for three months and the sound never changed. On a whim, I sold it off and bought a Rogue Cronus Magnum for just under $2k. Man what a difference that made. I didn't even recognize my speakers, no lie. I want from shrieking unlistenable music to a giant sound stage of loveliness. The Cronus Magnum works really well with the CM7's. There's another guy on this forum to with the Cronus Magnum and CM7's and he really likes his set up too. You'd be surprised. Rogue has excellent customer service. They're made in Pennsylvania and you can speak to the owner directly any time you have a question.

P.S. - I kept the Rotel RCD-1520 CDP and it's great.