New System for the House


I want to put together a small system for our living room. The room is only 20' x 14' and has wood floors, ceiling and walls. It's real wood (3/4" tongue and groove pine) and is stained not painted. The ceilings are 8.5' high. I've got a 32" LCD currently.

I'd like audiogoner's input on an integrated amp and two small speakers.
On the amp I need at least 2 inputs and would like remote volume control. Looks are important in that this will be a hard sell for my wife.
On the speaker side, I like the Totem Rainmakers if that gives an idea of size and response, I'm not opposed to adding sub, if there's a good amp that'll drive it without additional electronic hardware.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and I want to keep the whold shebang under 2 grand. Sounds easy enough, eh?
hhdinc
Rainmakers are not bad but a little boxy sounding. Go up to the Rokk's or Staff's.

Good amp would be an Arcam or Rotel as a second choise.

If you do a sub, find a REL or a 10" Energy as a second choice.

I have an awsome sub for sale used which is a Kinergetics but would not win the wife as it is ugly.
The Linn Classik integrated might work in your situation, which seems to be one in which you don't desire to make the sound system the main focus of the room. The Linn is very compact and does not call attention to itself with hi-fi nerd design or ostentatious bling. Good luck!
WHOA Man, what is up with the Blue Circle stuff. The specs and sound may shine but the look of that stuff. Whew, I made better looking stuff in 8th grade shop class. I don't mean to offend, but geez, those giant wooden knobs?!? The wife ain't going for that.
The Blue Circle stuff looks better in person but is still man jewlery. When the lights are off it looks cool.