I've been gifted a pair of Thiel CS2s

Well, that changes things quite a bit, still a tight fit, not quite ideal, but it can work.
IME, the McCormack amps though very fine amps in their own right, and excellent with other speakers, are a bit too forward and shouty with the Thiel CS 2's.
With your budget, I'd consider a Forte' or conrad-johnson solid state amp. Either manufacturer's pres in either ss or tube would work nicely too.
My experience with an Electrocompaniet integrated was pleasurable, though ultimately just a bit dark on top for my tastes.

Doggiehowser, My money is with my direct experience of over a decade with the the CS 2's without concentric drivers, rather than with your recollection of your friends CS 2.4's with concentric drivers, in an undersized space.
Would you not exchange an over-sized gifted sweater for an appropriately sized one?

I expect that if the speakers had been given rather than sold, it might have been because there was a sentimental value. A generic brand new sweater wouldn't have that same attachment.

1) Pre-amp for volume control and connecting a CD player. Eventually, I might look at Home Theatre.
2) My current CD player would be a Bose Wave Radio/CD player. (brief pause to listen for the groans). My current experience with playing CD is they sound very muddled/washed out.
3) No expectations. From what I've read, the Thiels are very revealing. If you have a bad source, like for example a Bose Wave Radio/CD Player, then they will reproduce that very accurately.
4) Yes. Can you have 32" to 40" TV between the two speakers, if they are behind the speakers? I would imagine the amp and pre-amp would sit back there, as well. Although they could be anywhere else in the room - just have to run the cables.
5) If we go with the $1,000 figure, the current McC 0.5 is listed @ 650. So that would leave $350 for a a pre-amp. I could go higher. What is a good split between $$ for an amp and $$ for a pre-amp given a fixed limit of $$'s?
6)No. I actually still have them, in the boxes.

One person suggested I check pawn shops for deals. So, I suppose I could get a cheap receiver just to give them a spin. I could even try CostCo.

I just had a conversation with one of the techs from my church. He indicated they could be turning over the sound equipment. This would be professional level amps. I might be able to borrow one to give the Thiels a spin.

So I have some options.

Anybody have thoughts on the Emotiva line?
These would be brand new, as opposed to used.

I have been focusing on Class A amps.
Can Class A/B drive Thiels, as well?
Or, even Class D?

Thanks again for all the feedback.

I have used Bel Canto REF1000M (Class D) and Electrocompaniet Nemos (A/AB) as well as Plinius SA Reference (A)

I thought also heard a friend's Bryston AB amps drive Thiels.

The Bryston had better midrange vs the the Bel Cantos. But the Bel Cantos had better control of bass, very tight. With a tube preamp, the Bel Canto's midrange improved.

The Nemos improved further on the Bel Cantos bass control further with more authority and more meat. The Plinius was better again.