The most amazing sound/$ I have heard has been from compact systems from the better Japanese manufacturers; Denon, Luxman (not, oddly enough, Nakamichi).

The integration of the response of the input components, power amp, speakers, gives a wholeness to the sound that can humble high end separates at four times the cost.

Check over on eBay for these things; I bet you can meet your budget and please your ears.

Aloha,

Poinz