The $5000.00 Complete System Challenge

McIntosh MX135 preamp-$2200
McIntosh MC727 amp-$1900
Thiel CS 2.22 $800
Anti Cables $100

I would go a different direction and spend a fair amount on the cd player and electronics. Someone has already mentioned staying with Rega for the complete system, and there's a lot of merit in that. Another package that comes to mind with a lot of capability and good reputation for sound quality per dollar is the Quad 99 series. The 99 CDS, 99 preamp, and 909 power amp would eat up about $3500, still leaving room for the very good Quad 21L speakers. If at all possible, visit a number of dealerships, discuss your sonic priorities, room size, placement issues, etc., and let them demonstrate systems they think would meet your needs.

Questions about your space, taste and current amplifier are critical.

Rega and Quad ideas are excellent.

Before going all in for speakers, here are some suggestions for a balanced system within your budget.

Used system from Agon right now:

CD Player
-Primare D30.2 Reference
-Naim CDX
-Jolida JD100

Phono Preamplifier
-PS Audio GCPH

Integrated Amplifier
-Primare 30.1
-Sim Audio Moon 3.1SE

Speakers
-Gallo Reference 3.1.

New system:

CD Player
-Marantz CD6003

Phono Preamp
-Musical Surroundings Phenomena 2

Integrated Amplifier
-NAD C375BEE

Speakers
-Vandersteen 2ce Signature II.

With more information about your circumstances, recommendations for $5K speakers will be easier and more productive.

I would get the best Arcam integrated and CD-player I could afford along with the Vandersteen 2Ce. I would also look at the PSB or Paradigm speaker lines for alternatives to the VS. I agree with previous posts that at this price point I would look to an integrated, unless you choose speakers that could be driven by 35 watts. In that case, I would get a Goldpoint Passive Volume Control (New $400 w/2 inputs), a Creek phono stage and Music Reference RM10 MkII (New $1,950) amplifier and sensitive speakers. I use a Lightspeed Attenuator ($450 - single input) with the Music Reference and it is a SOTA combo in the context of much more expensive combos I own and have owned.

You've now asked two questions, and here are responses in reverse chronological order:

1) Speakers for up to $5,000/pair. Assuming you have a medium to large room, Vienna Acoustics Mahler (app. $4,000/pair used) or Dynaudio 3.3 (app. $3,000/pair used). The Mahlers need a good solid-state amplifier to control their multiple bass drivers. The Dynaudios likewise need a good solid-state amp because they are 86 db. efficient. Both do really well with orchestral music (and the massed strings found in such music). The Dyna's are the more accurate speaker, but the Mahlers are also compelling because they are colored in a pleasing way. The Dyna's go loud, and the Mahlers can go very loud, cleanly. The Mahlers have an especially high-quality finish. The Dyna's are the better speaker, but if you listen to a lot of orchestral music, the Mahlers are great (and they're fun on rock/blues 'cause they go loud as hell).

2) System for $5,000. My proposed system is closer to $6k, but it's the price of glory:

CD player: A used Rega - app. $600.

Preamp: Audible Illusions 3A - app. $800 used. Contains an excellent phono stage. Absolutely must be left on 24/7 due to lack of soft-start (this preamp quickly destroys tubes if it is regularly powered up and down). Dual volume control (i.e., one for each channel) and no remote will annoy some people, but extreme performance for the money. Like most tube equipment, if it breaks, any decent tech can fix it, and usually cheaply.

Amp: Bryston 4B-ST - app. $1,100 used. Good sound, pretty powerful, won't break, and you can easily sell it if you move on to something else.

Speakers: Dynaudio 3.3's - app. $3,000 used (see above).

Cables: Cabling is really important. Kimber Hero interconnects ($100/pair). If you can stretch the budget to allot $800 for speaker cables, Kimber Select 3033 (outrageously good for the money).

With the exception of the preamp and the model of Kimber interconnects (I used Kimber Select, but the Hero is quite similar), I have personal experience with the above systems. I have oodles more money in my current system and while it's a lot better, I could live pretty happily with the above.

Hope this helps and good luck.