Separates vs. Integrated

Agree with much of what has been said above. Integrateds will provide the biggest kick per buck. Here are some of my favorites between $1-2K, (but previously offered advice on the importance of amp and speaker matching should be considered in any purchase).

Naim Nait 5i - really sounds great. Don't worry about the stated power - plenty of current

Musical Fidelity A5 (used) - good, lots of head room, agree with poster above

Exposure 2010s - great bargain - good sound

Vincent Audio SV-236 MkII - hybrid - really, really good

NAD C-375BEE - great new product - plenty of power and drive and surprising amount of finesse at this price point

Anything new or used from Sim Audio

Anything used from Blue Circle.

For tube units, I like PrimaLuna, a lot. Simple, well made, good sounding, and relatively cheap. Look at the ProLogue 2

Thanks much for all the help and great suggestions. I am off to listen to some speakers. Going to check out some PSBs among others. Any suggestions you guys have?

On the Psb's category, the Platinum M2 are multichannel speakers system, all with aluminum-dome tweeters and impedance of 4ohm. Is the best cohice if you plan to use a multichannel.

What is speaker budget, room size and listening preferences?

When you find a speaker that you wish to purchase , consider the amp that was driving it also . Maybe not the exact amp but something further down the same manufacturers line . Usually manufacturers stuff have the same basic/house sound with varing degrees of presentation .

As mentioned above , the amp-speaker mating is just as important as the speaker-room mating . You may not land at the final place this way but should arrive in a pleasurable
place for a nice start .

Good luck .