I have just completed auditioning 14 sets of both floorstanding and bookshelf speakers, and with those as my experience base I believe that I would have to spend about $3500 on a new pair to get sound equivalent to my floorstanding vintage Marantz circa 1975. Of those that I auditioned I prefer either the Thiel CS1.6 with Rel subwoofer, the B&W 805D, or the Quartet with Rel subwoofer.

Since I need to purchase an amplifier, I have decided to keep my 8 ohm Marantz speakers for the time being. Each 18"x32"x13" cabinet includes a new scanspeak Tweeter, an original 4 inch midrange, and an original 14 inch bass. The crossovers are all original. I don't know how efficient the speakers are, however they are louder than the five pair I have auditioned at home.

As of late I have been driving the speakers with a now-defunct Marantz multichannel receiver. I bought a new Sony multichannel receiver but returned it due to its terrible audio quality. I have been borrowing a tube JoLida JX 10 for the time being which I like, and can play louder than is comfortable.

I enjoy listening to all styles of music from classical, blues, jazz, rock, metal, etc.

In a new amplifier I only want two channels, and 4 inputs for a CD/PS3 player, phono with phonoamp, TV audio, and 1 spare for a possible future tuner. If I start with a budget of up to $1000, what would you recommend?