Help Me Choose (new) Bookshelf Speakers, and Integrated Amplifier for $1300 and under!

You were right on with the Elac’s and Yamaha.  But I’d go a step further and try to find a used Preamp and amp.  Look for an old B&K  EX442, St202, etc and any decent preamp with pre-outs.  The Elacs love power.

Are Elac UB5s really that good as the reviews say? Are they really as good as speakers costing two-three times that much? I have not heard them myself. I will try to check out Rega's

used or small Maggies?

I own the following system and use it in my bedroom. Assuming you will be buying new.

Outlaw Audio RR 2160 @$800
Wharfedale Denton Anniversary speakers @$500

Outlaw comes with built in phono. Have used the previous incarnation (2150) for the past 12 years.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2160.html

https://www.cnet.com/news/outlaw-audio-rr-2160-the-audiophile-choice-for-stereo-receivers/

https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/wharfedale-denton-80th-anniversary-bookshelf-speakers-pr

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/index.php/loudspeakers/65-reviews/519--wharfedale-denton-80th-anniversay...

Rich

Used Parasound HCA-1000 or 1500a amplifier Used Parasound P/LD1100 preamp and Dynaudio Emit M20 and what ever source you want. I think the UB5 was a good choice I bought a pair of B6 second hand when they first came out on eBay for $190 but just picked up an Immaculate pair of Tannoy Mercury MX2-m for $115 form the bay and in my room they sound identical. In this hobby I think it's more fun to have components gives it that old school feel to have a preamp and power amp makes set up fun and its cool to look at. Just my two Penny's cheers guys.