Hey everyone, I'm a poor college student going to school near Philadelphia, and I'd like to put together my first setup. About a year ago I ditched my Bose QuietComforts for a pair of Grado SR60s, which have been amazing. I'd like to do the same thing with my speakers, but I can only spend about $500.
From what I've gleaned from Stereophile's budget component reviews and the archives of this forum, both the PSB Alpha B1s and the Paradigm Atoms are good choices for bookshelf speakers.
I guess I'm torn between getting a receiver, (like the HK 3380 I've seen mentioned here) which appeals to me because I listen to the radio and records on my turntable, and an amp (like the Trends TA-10.1) which seems like it would provide better sound quality.
How much sound quality will I be sacrificing by going for the receiver? Any other suggestions? 
If you were building a $500 system what would you buy?
Thanks!
Andy 
PS I think it's great that Stereophile has started this Entry Level forum! This and Stephen Meijas' blog are what have really gotten me excited about getting into better speakers.
Hey everyone, I'm a poor college student going to school near Philadelphia, and I'd like to put together my first setup. About a year ago I ditched my Bose QuietComforts for a pair of Grado SR60s, which have been amazing. I'd like to do the same thing with my speakers, but I can only spend about $500.
From what I've gleaned from Stereophile's budget component reviews and the archives of this forum, both the PSB Alpha B1s and the Paradigm Atoms are good choices for bookshelf speakers.
I guess I'm torn between getting a receiver, (like the HK 3380 I've seen mentioned here) which appeals to me because I listen to the radio and records on my turntable, and an amp (like the Trends TA-10.1) which seems like it would provide better sound quality.
How much sound quality will I be sacrificing by going for the receiver? Any other suggestions?
If you were building a $500 system what would you buy?
Thanks!
Andy
PS I think it's great that Stereophile has started this Entry Level forum! This and Stephen Meijas' blog are what have really gotten me excited about getting into better speakers.