You're in a tough spot, as the weak link could be considered your speakers based on your current setup. I agree with the other posts here that focusing on updating the speakers first based on your overall system might be best.
I currently own Quad 22L2's and matching Center. I think they're on par with the Vandersteens mentioned here (both warm, articulate). Although a full front end (L+R, Center and Sub) would run in excess of $2k, regardless of what brand you step into within this price class. Don't neglect a good powered sub, it's important for HT.
To be honest though, after all my recent upgrading the BIGGEST improvement, bar none, was picking up a Sunfire TGP-5 processor for $1,300 new. They're on closeout now, so it's a great time to try and locate one for less than $1,500. It would necessitate buying a good used 5 or 7 channel amp for around $500-$800. I was running an Outlaw 950 pre/pro before with a 7 channel amp. The biggest improvement, hands down, was the Sunfire. The Outlaw in no way was any slouch either, but it's not a fair comparison. And price wise, the Sunfire is not out of your league if you can locate one for less than $1,500. I had a Denon 3800 before I updated to the Outlaw 950. It wasn't near the improvement the Sunfire was versus the Outlaw.
Unfortunately, you can't spread $2k over a pre/pro and amp combination AND speakers too.
I currently own Quad 22L2's and matching Center. I think they're on par with the Vandersteens mentioned here (both warm, articulate). Although a full front end (L+R, Center and Sub) would run in excess of $2k, regardless of what brand you step into within this price class. Don't neglect a good powered sub, it's important for HT.
To be honest though, after all my recent upgrading the BIGGEST improvement, bar none, was picking up a Sunfire TGP-5 processor for $1,300 new. They're on closeout now, so it's a great time to try and locate one for less than $1,500. It would necessitate buying a good used 5 or 7 channel amp for around $500-$800. I was running an Outlaw 950 pre/pro before with a 7 channel amp. The biggest improvement, hands down, was the Sunfire. The Outlaw in no way was any slouch either, but it's not a fair comparison. And price wise, the Sunfire is not out of your league if you can locate one for less than $1,500. I had a Denon 3800 before I updated to the Outlaw 950. It wasn't near the improvement the Sunfire was versus the Outlaw.
Unfortunately, you can't spread $2k over a pre/pro and amp combination AND speakers too.