lots of options in the under 5K category. Another consideration, hold on the speakers, put 3K into your source gear, arm, cartridge, phono preamp and spend 2K on speakers. Feed as much music to the last element in the chain. You can a lot of cartridge for $700-$1000 - e.g. Hana and Ortofon, I've heard really good things about the Parasound JC3 jr. phono.
Also if you haven't done some room analysis and treatment, lots can be gained there as well. Great gear in a poor room never reaches it's potential.
Lastly - Vandersteen's and others present some interesting biamping options - with solid state for the bass and tubes for the mid/highs.
Also if you haven't done some room analysis and treatment, lots can be gained there as well. Great gear in a poor room never reaches it's potential.
Lastly - Vandersteen's and others present some interesting biamping options - with solid state for the bass and tubes for the mid/highs.