If I read this right...you have a sound bar for digital needs...and a Carver receiver running a Boston Acoustics center channel? And you want a tube phono preamp and bookshelf speakers for vinyl. And the room dimensions are 12x22 but you’d also like to have something with low end as well?

Ok, so In my humble opinion, if you’re tight on budget and you’d like your individual components in the price range for your Audio Technica (assuming approx $300)...I’d make a few suggestions and or deletions.

Receiver: Keep the Carver
Speakers: Ditch the BA center channels as they don’t have the ability to convey the range of frequencies you need to get the sound you want. Your price range doesn’t leave many options (unless you want to go the used route which I always recommend...and if so check out Audiogon) but you can get great sound from the PSB Alpha 5’s for $350 for the pair
Sub: You will def need a sub to even make an attempt at filling a room that is 12x22. I’d keep it simple and get the Klipsch R12SW for $ 299 (don’t forget a sub cable)

A tube phono pre amp: the only thing I can think of here for a price under $300 is the Bellari phono stage VK130 MK2. It has a small tube and the option of also connecting headphones. This is around $275 on music direct.

Just trying to help and I don’t have all the answers. Someone will prob say everything I picked is crap...but I think you’d have something pretty sweet sounding for an all in spending under a grand for three new components out of the box (on top of what you already have). Most importantly, just have fun!

You are correct. Some brands are just natural pairs. I.e Cambridge and Wharfdale, Arcam and Revel etc...McIntosh amps with basically anything lol. There’s a lot of rules but besides speaker placement the only real one I try to follow is to match the front speakers with a similar center channel. Thats more for home theater as you would want the timbre of voices and sound effects to sound the same.

I wouldn’t worry so much as to pairing as I’d just try to get the “hobby” on the right foot. Because in theory by doing separate components you have an infinite amount of upgrades/combinations that you could do over the years.

For example, if the PSB5’s are a little small (which they are for the price) they would play great and over time make excellent rear speakers one day. If that “itch” happens then I’d shop for a larger front tower by PSB over time. Do I like Klipsch subs? Not really, but who’s to say it won’t do the job until you get sick of it or possibly $$$ comes around and now you want to get something with more gravitas like REL, SVS or hell even a pair of Speedwoofers. As far as entry level goes, its a journey and you’re always building upon your foundation over many years!