Where to start upgrade

One of the most important "matches" in audio is the amp/speaker combo. When this match is properly acheived the system sounds like it is something more than just the sum of its parts and, if you ask me, that's where a lot of the magic is. I just would never contemplate buying one without first having given considerable thought to the other as a suitable match. It is possible to achieve very synergistic levels of performance that are both acurate and yet musical for modest amounts of money. I know. I've done it. The biggest hurdle seems to be the amount of time spent in pursuit of the result, but, if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do the homework, you can get everything you want at the right price. Remember: if there's something about a prospective piece of gear that doesn't fit with your overall goal, tentatively cross it off your list and keep going. Go ahead and be thorough in your search and let time be on your side. I myself use a pair of Monarchy SM-70 Pro amps as monoblocks and I installed a pair of Goldpoint series attenuators inside the rear panels - all of which would very likely be asking a lot technically of someone who may be essentially just starting out, but the preamp/amp/speaker combo (minus the wiring) in my rig was only about $2,500, yet it's very revealing. The good deals and good combinations for you are indeed out there, you just have to begin by convincing yourself from the outset that they do in fact exist and by giving yourself time enough to unearth them you'll be ahead of the game. That, and learn all you can about what makes a good system as you go - all part of the fun, really. Hope this helps. Regards.