Speakers make a bigger difference than anything else. Choose them first. Then, choose gear that will drive the speakers properly.

While some say there are rock, jazz and classical speakers I don't subscribe to that. IMO a good speaker will sound good on everything. IME a speaker that makes one type of music sound "better" does so at the expense of other types of music.

As for electronics; anyone who says there are (for example) rock amplifiers or Jazz amplifiers is blowing smoke big time.

My experience with regards to NAD isn't that NAD makes great "rock" amplifiers, it's that most $1000 integrateds (new) just don't deliver enough voltage SWING to handle rock and classical, while also audibly clipping at much lower than what they claim.  NAD integrateds, in a few words, simply don't suck.  Neither do Arcam, or if you go used, Krell.  You might try a good SS amplifier/tube pre-amp setup from a used outlet.  

I rebuilt a Hafler 200 with new caps and fittings and it is a really fantastic amplifer for practically pennies.

Good luck.  Don't for any reason shy away from NAD.

Speakers (except esl's and exotic types) are essentially oscillating AC motors. Consequently they are basically current driven devices. Because of this many NAD amplifiers do rather well with "Rock" and "Classical" music because they usually have current reserves out of proportion to their (usually low) wattage rating. With that said, any amplifier with sufficient power should be fine.

Hafler DH 200's or 220's are decent amplifiers that deliver reasonably high wattage with decent current reserves. The Adcom 545/5400 series are in the same category power and price wise.

To the OP:

If possible give a pair of the new Cerwin Vega line a listen. The XLS28 is around $600 a pair and may be what you're looking for.

 Sensitivity in SPL: 89.8 dB (@ 8 ohms @ 1 meter full) So a 100WPC amp should be sufficient.

I have a Hafler DH-200 just sitting that I'm getting ready to re-cap, change resistors (1% metal film) and add new input and output connectors.

Speakers (except esl's and exotic types) are essentially oscillating AC motors. Consequently they are basically current driven devices. Because of this many NAD amplifiers do rather well with "Rock" and "Classical" music because they usually have current reserves out of proportion to their (usually low) wattage rating. With that said, any amplifier with sufficient power should be fine.

Hafler DH 200's or 220's are decent amplifiers that deliver reasonably high wattage with decent current reserves. The Adcom 545/5400 series are in the same category power and price wise.

To the OP:

If possible give a pair of the new Cerwin Vega line a listen. The XLS28 is around $600 a pair and may be what you're looking for.

 Sensitivity in SPL: 89.8 dB (@ 8 ohms @ 1 meter full) So a 100WPC amp should be sufficient.

I have a Hafler DH-200 just sitting that I'm getting ready to re-cap, change resistors (1% metal film) and add new input and output connectors.

deleted: double post

but don't place too much importance on it. There will be other variables present. And if you should get into a discussion and want to audition alternatives, but your source material isn't up to revealing the differences, you haven't actually concluded much beyond what's the minimal acceptable level of fidelity you'll accept. (Which of course may be OK, too.)

Take your time and have fun.