Newbie building modest system ...what amp?

+2 What Unsound said.

There is more than one way to skin a cat. I've heard some incredible systems that were built around the amplifier (SET) and not the speaker.
While I'm sure the majority of the people still start with the speakers and work backwards, there are other options that do work well too.

Hello Mswobo, Do you have a old receiver or something to listen to music with while you work at your system? Old speakers? If you have a receiver then buy speakers. if you have some old speakers get the amp first.

If you have nothing now it will not matter if you start with speaker (Vandersteen's), or an amp. You will need both to make music. Most people match their amp and speakers, and then add the preamp to their taste. At your price range IMHO, the preamp is the hard part, although I have seen some small Tube preamps with limited inputs lately come thru Audiogon. (Decware). If you do go this route, separates, check back here regarding impedance of the components and I am sure you will get help in that area.

I think choosing a classic speaker like the 2ce is very smart. I also think Tpreaves is right about the integrated. Although they don't have a phono, maybe the Bel Canto 300i or Evo2, or an NAD.

Good Luck!

i have a rega rp1 keeping

amp...adcom 545
preamp ...adcom 400
speakers...DCM TF600's

Those 3 I want to upgrade one at a time over the next few months.

A audiophile friend recommended I up grade the preamp and not the amp for now so I can spend more on a preamp.

The Vandersteens always seem to be available for sale a lot so thats why the preamp then the speakers was my thought process.

The speaker to room/listening position is the most important consideration, followed by the speaker to amp consideration, followed by the amp to pre consideration. Take those considerations out of order at your own peril. It might work, or you might box yourself out of better options.