My systems tend to be el cheapo with multiple components.
Here is a fun idea for you to thnk about: Get the 2 watt zen amp for $499 with a 30 day money back warranty, and also get steve deckert's high eff. speakers (single driver doped fostex) with eff of around 96 db i think. These go for around $1700. try the combo, and see if you liek it. I am not sure if he gives money back on the speakers, but the amp for sure. You'll need high eff speakers for a low pwer amp. try this combo if you ever get a chance. I thihnk you'll like it. I know John (manual block) has heard it. Maybe he can tell us what he feels.
Alternately, you can also try other high eff speakers: high eff speakers & low powered SETs are a good match.

My speakers are a pair of 104 db klipschorns (1978), and a pair of homemade speakers (vintage trusonic drivers & a tweeter) around 95 db. SOmetimes I run them in parallel, esp if I am listening to a symphony. Pretty dynamic!

My source is by museatex: transport, with a bidat dac (fully modded by john wright) and/or an unmodded bitstream dac (yes I use 2 dacs running out of 1 transport to my 2 sets of speakers).

This rig has certainly kept me happy, until i build my NEXT dream speaker project (this time using modern drivers) that is.
-akhilesh