I did pretty much exactly what you are considering. I wound up with a NAD L73 receiver/disc player for $499 from Saturday audio exchange (same price all over from other locations like audio advisor including free shipping deals) and hooked it to a set of ERA d5 units I had. SOund is pretty good but I hesitate to make quality statements as my room is a nightmare. I will say that the base is quite good for such a small setup. One reason I liked the NAD is good rep for power (60wpc rated- plenty for the D5)and a very nice universal remote. I'm really happy and with some room treatments I suspect I can improve things. I also considered the Mites and Dream Catchers and of the two I would recommend the dreamcatchers. I found them to be a bit more rounded and better in the base department. I also found the paradigm studio 20, the b&w CM1, vienna hayden's and several others to be nice and likely available used in your budget range.
Speakers For A Mini System
I want to buy a one unit mini system for another room in my house. I am considering an Arcam Solo or Solo Mini, a Cambridge Audio One or NAD C715. I do not want separate components for this space, not even an integrated and CDP. I am looking for some advice on what type of speaker to pair with such a system, as I have no experience whatsoever with mini systems. I'm looking to spend about $400 used on the speakers. One thought that I had was Totem Mites or Dreamcatchers, might they work? BTW, I have read positive reviews of the Denon D M37 which includes its own speakers. Has anyone actually hard this system?