Hmmm...I would suggest that you start with the speakers and the cd player, and then find an integrated amp that goes well with them. In my little system (a little under $2k), I have a Rotel rcd-971, nad 314 integrated, and B&W 302s. Cardas cables, but that's overkill. I love this system, and am never bothered by deficientcies. Anyways, the only hard advice i can give you is to skip the cd player with volume. They sound like crap in this price range while there are a lot of great integrated amps out there. Oh, I saw a pair of Hales Revelation Ones for around $550 on this site. They are excellent. Have fun.
Help with a budget second system
I am looking to put together a budget system for my den. The room is 12x16. I am not sure whether to go solid state or tube. For solid state, I was considering the Audio Refinement, Cambridge Audio, or Creek integrated amps (prices ranging from $400-750). For tube, I have been investigating the Rogue 88, and Jolida 502B (prices between $750-1100). I wanted to try the new Magnapan MMG's but I am concerned that they may not produce enough bass. If I go with the Rogue, I was considering purchasing a decent CD with volume control to connect directly to the amp. Trying to stay below $2k, interconnects included, how would you proceed?