Manley Stingray integrated tube amp > VR2s...would put a smile on anyones face, me thinks.
There are several people here on this board who bought VR2s, w/o ever hearing them...and I think everyone has been quite happy.
I was one myself.
thats my $.02
but for stupid cheap money,
Sony 2000es amp > decent monitors
maybe $12-500 ...depending on speakers I think this would be hard to beat.
***edit****
hey, I pimped myself out on this post.
as I re-read it later on...I find it doesnt sit right
with me. I wont do that again. -T to me.