[Bret L]

A receiver will have a phono section, or it won't. For the level of
work you want just buy any old decent receiver with a phono section.
If you don't need FM reception buy an integrated amplifier. Several
good new or refurb vintage choices are available.

Optical outputs on CD players are for separate DACs. You want
regular old cables, analog.

I'd just keep the speakers you have as they are perfectly okay for
general non-critical listening,i.e. for anyone who just wants to hear
the music in a decent fashion. Small two ways and a sub are better
than a single pair of floor speakers in most of these installs if the
crossover is where it should be.