What's a great system at these price points?

Joseph, as I mentioned in another post where you were singing the praises of the Audioengine products, you should really be clear that you are a dealer for that product. I don't doubt your insights but listing this disclaimer is in your own best interest.

As I expressed in this other thread, real "high end" performance comes at a price and I do not believe it can be achieved at or below any of the price points you list. It would likely be a stretch at even $10K. Maybe there is a personal preference and definitional issue at play here as you may really be talking about what I would refer to as good mid-fi with the type of systems you describe.

07-23-13: Jriden
I'm open about being a dealer. I mention it all over the place.

Really??? Because I do not see a dealer disclaimer presented in this thread.

Many good ways at each price point if certain parameters are adhered to.

Lower price points will achieve best results if speakers with limited bass extension are used in a smaller room.

As price goes up, more good options for more full range sound and for in larger rooms will become available.

Lower price points will be digital only. Other/analog sources will add cost to achieve good results.

Headphones are another very good option at lower price points as is consideration of products geared towards the pro market, which tend to be more about sound and less about aesthetics.

Joseph,
All the answers to you questions have been beaten to death here and everywhere else, but I have no problem with your o.p.

As always, disregard the advice of long term audiophiles in favor of the 'latest and greatest' at your peril.

I have no problem with dealers posting as audiophiles. Many of the most published posters are all over SELL forums. The difference between a dealer and someone that has a 2500 rating for Audiogon sales is semantics.