Dentons

You wanna match the retro style of the NAD C 3050? If so, Wharfedale Super Denton would fit your budget. https://www.wharfedaleusa.com/collections/bookshelf-speakers/products/super-denton-bookshelf-speakers-pair If you have the space for them, Wharfedale Linton 85th https://www.wharfedaleusa.com/pro

That is amazing for a 3 way build with no waveguide. Easily better than a Wharfedale Super Denton.

Wharfedale isn't playing around! I've not heard one yet that doesn't stun and please me. Tremendous value! Super Dentons are my end-game speaker for my den. Trying to buy less new records to save up. Doing kinda sorta OK.... lol FYI - while they last, Music Direct has new old stock of the 220's, (5.

I just switched from KEF Q950s to Wharfedale Super Lintons and the sound improvement has been incredible. Look at the Dentons or some of their smaller bookshelf offerings.

Elac UBR62 can be found around that price. Potentially Wharfedale Dentons (85 or super Denton).

Maybe the KEF Q350 speakers (these are on sale, model is being phased out), Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary, Klipsch RP-600M II, Monitor Audio Gold 100 or a Paradigm speaker in the same price bracket.

They say the Wharfedale Super Denton sounds old timey, and I sure do want a pair! Hopefully soon.

If you're looking for modern speakers with a retro look, the Wharfedale Heritage series is worth a look, and you can often find a pair of Denton 80th Anniversary (new or used) for a low-ish price.

All those brands and their entry level products are going to be bright sounding products. Not warm like you want. And yes, to get to better sounding products, you usually need to go up to the next series up (from entry level). Take a look at e.g. Wharfedale Linton Heritage (EAC review), Wharfedale S

I didn't catch the lack of amp - that's my miss! And generally speaking, the speakers are going to give you the most "signature" to your sound. They should be about half of your spend, more if you can afford to budget for it, rough rule of thumb. But yes - with my recommendation you would need an am