Mumum,
I think you first need to decide what your needs are. Are you looking for a combined HT and music system or something for music only? Are you are a critical and/or avid music listener? What are your expecations of the sound quality you are seeking? I don't know what in-wall speakers you have, but they may limit the potential of any source. Is that okay?
If a music only system, I would probably explore a used preamp/amp (2channel), integrated or receiver (w/ a analog bypass) along with a pair of used speakers.
If you are looking for combined HT use, I would probably go the receiver route. While I think you can find some bargains, $2,000 for both a HT preamp & amp will limit your choices & may not be money well spent. A nice receiver would be below your budget & permit some speaker upgrades if warranted.
This answer may not help much. I think you need to provide some more information as to what you are looking for.
I think you first need to decide what your needs are. Are you looking for a combined HT and music system or something for music only? Are you are a critical and/or avid music listener? What are your expecations of the sound quality you are seeking? I don't know what in-wall speakers you have, but they may limit the potential of any source. Is that okay?
If a music only system, I would probably explore a used preamp/amp (2channel), integrated or receiver (w/ a analog bypass) along with a pair of used speakers.
If you are looking for combined HT use, I would probably go the receiver route. While I think you can find some bargains, $2,000 for both a HT preamp & amp will limit your choices & may not be money well spent. A nice receiver would be below your budget & permit some speaker upgrades if warranted.
This answer may not help much. I think you need to provide some more information as to what you are looking for.