Need component recommendations for 1,000 system?

Are you trying to have HT/Surround possibilities ("DVD based)?? If so, then consider an Outlaw HT Receiver. If not, then look for an integrated amp like the Creek 4330, or ones by Cambridge Audio, NAD, or Rotel.

B&W DM302 or DM303 speakers would fit nicely in a system at this price.

For interconnects, maybe Nordost Solar Wind, Kimber PBJ, Zu Cable Oxyfuel..

Speaker cables something like Audioquest Type 4, or even better the current deals on the old model Audioquest Slate at AudioAdvisor.com (selling new for about 35% of list price).

I agree that a B&W 303 would be a good speaker choice. Also a used Creek 4330 would be excellent. I would suggest paradigm studio 20 v.1 used or a pair of mini monitors new for about 300 a pair. I would personally buy the best I could afford with equipment, and then upgrade wire as the money could be applied...

First of all I would buy used no matter what. There are great deals to be had and incomparable value to boot. I have had awesome experiences with these classifieds and with ebay for everything I own (except for my Paradigm Reference 100.2s which I bought new). I would ditto the Creek 4330 and the studio 20s. I had Kimber PBJs and they cannot hold a candle to the MITs I now have but then again they are not the same price. By buying used you can get 100% more for your money - I did. Arthur

OK I expect someone to disagree with me but here goes…
Magnepan MMG: I got mine for $377, I’ve seen them for just under $350 on ebay.
Rotel/NAD/Adcom integrated or separates. ~$300. I would get as much amp as possible.
Interconects: I don’t know, I built my own.
Speaker Cables: Romex 12 gauge solid core

This may sound like a strange suggestion but I had a pair of MMGs that are now with my brother. They are incredible for voices (see my review). Really good speakers. Your room may not be big enough but if you can make them work, nothing under $(some big number here) will do voices as well. To bad the 1.6’s are 6 feet tall… but I degrees… These speakers do like current but they are not hard on amps thus you could look at low cost 4 ohm capable amps like some Rotel and NAD models. A Rotel 981 at 130wpc should have plenty of power. (There is one listed for $300 right now) Pair it up with a low cost pre-amp or a DVD player with volume control (not uncommon) and you wouldn’t need a pre-amp. If you need a preamp there is a Rotel 60wpc integrated on Audio gone right now. My brother is using a 55 wpc (110 wpc 4 ohms) with a pair of MMGs so 60wpc should be OK for lower volume listening.
As for cables… I did not hear big differences between wires with my MMGs. You can read the marketing hype about Maggie’s restive load blah blah blah. The same wires that made worlds of difference with my NHT’s made no difference with my MMGs. As for the interconnects, if you can solder visit TNT-audio.com. If not, I’m not sure.

This is a system that should sound open and great with vocals. I would change my recommendations if you want booming bass.

Note to those who disagree… please be nice :)
Nikki