Just getting started on a budget and need bookshelf speakers/receiver now

Dynaudio Xeo2

about 600-700 

self powered. Built in dac. Bluetooth

excellent sound quality. Soundstage. Air. Bass. 

Got to through this one in Naim Nait with monitor audio or spendor speakers, nice match

If I were looking for big sound with a small budget might check out the Yamaha R-N303 ($300) and Tekton Mini-Lores (on sale $575). 

If you need a USB DAC you could add a Shiit Modi for $99 but if you want MQA might go with a Meridian Explorer II or Dragonfly DAC. 

Check out Creek integrated amps they match well with a lot speakers like the PSB suggested above or many British type speakers. Also read some reviews on LSA speakers you can pick them up dirt cheap now, 2 or $300 and the sound like $2000 monitors. If you can find them Alon petites or XLS Sking ninja modded speakers for 2 or$300. Leave $100 in your budget for some decent used pair interconnects, and some diy speaker wire. You would be surprised what you can do with 7 or $800 if buying used with matched speakers and components, good luck

new bas-x a100 emotiva receiver has dac, phono preamp am-fm tuner, 50 wpc amp that will blow away that older nad stuff in its price range for 399 bucks on amazon pair it with whatever floats your boat out there for 300 bucks a pair and there is your 700 dollar system.

Triangle Focal or Paradigm

emotiva bas-x ta-100 is a tuner, dac, amp and has phono pre-amp that is as good as separates w/50 wpc at 20-20k into 8 ohms at .08 thd for 399 bucks will probably beat the NAD depending on what you pair it with.

Don’t forget the vintage NAD 7020, which is the 3020 with a receiver. Just got one off of eBay and had my guy replace some caps and clean it up. Total invested $200. Replaced my 15 year old Paradigm Atoms with new ELAC Debut 6.2s that we’re on sale on Amazon for $150. Great sound for $350 all in.

I can only speak in reference to NAD gear mentioned by other posters. If you pursue that route look at sites that have the NAD 3020 integrated amp for sale. That amp has been out of production for quite some time but in the used market you may be able to find one that is in excellent condition or has been refurbished. The 3020 was a big dog killer in it's day because of it's performance compared to amps costing much more.
If you do decide on a NAD pay close attention to the speakers to be used with it. Some sound not good like Klipsch and others. NAD and PSB were or are kinda like sister companies. PSB mates well with NAD stuff. PSB offers many lines in terms of price.

I went old school/new school on my budget. Old school Marantz Model 18, and a Technics SL-1200MK2. New school, Elac Uni-Fi UB5 speakers. I purchased all three for a total of $1500. It’s a great combination, and I couldn’t be happier. 

So you can go to a dealer, and buy new, and it will sound great because you’ll be able to hear it all first, and make sure it sounds great. Or you can buy used, and save a ton of money, but then you have to resell stuff that doesn’t work. Problem is, unless you buy local, the shipping costs are going to take most of your cash, so used isn’t much help. If you are buying local, though, then many sellers are more than happy to share their thoughts and knowledge, and that includes letting you come and listen, before you buy. That’s true of dealers too: many hifi dealers do it because they love music. I’ve gotten used kit from dealers that had upgraded their big spending clients. (I am a very little fish). Don’t rush. Unless they’ve been abused, speakers don’t really get worse with age. I have a set of 20 year old meridians and they are the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard. So that's $25,000 of speakers (in 1995 dollars) for ~$1400. I can't give you specific recommendations for Opera. But for me, buying used has been very rewarding.

This might work for you and is within your budget. Music Direct has the well regarded Wharfedale - Diamond 10.2 speakers on sale for $299. You can get a Yamaha A-S501 Integrated on Ebay for $349. I've never heard either, just an option from good companies.

https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/wharfedale-diamond-102-bookshelf-speakers-pr-awfdia102blk
https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-A-S501-170-watt-Stereo-Integrated-Amp-DAC-with-sub-out-AUTHORIZED-DE...

We can easily create a fantastic system for you at that price point.

All with products that sound great with a warranty.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

Check out the Yamaha line of receivers and integrated amplifiers.

Also Music Direct, Audio Advisor, and this site for speaker choices.

Don’t overlook Klipsch bookshelf speakers in this price range. For $550/pr there are the RP 600M. Folks like these because they give a well balanced (between mids and highs), clear sound even at volume and also surprisingly dynamic...an enjoyable and fun sounding speaker. They might be slightly fussy about how you mount them...a solid flat surface...and nothing a little blu tac wouldn’t cure.

Or you could think about buying your amps and speakers in one shot. What about Klipsch "The Sixes". Powered speakers with good quality amps already built in. Bluetooth ready. Only one analog input though, but you can stream through them in a snap. Also well received for the listening quality. $722/pr.

A long time down the road you could add a small self powered sub to either and be in business (The Sixes have a sub out jack).

Scope them both out on Crutchfield.

@shaunac: The NAD 3020 V2 is a superb integrated amp! No AM/FM tuner in it. Why would you want to listen to cr*ppy broadcast radio? Internet radio gives you a whole universe of choices!

@schwantner: I have given the OP the BEST possible combination for his budget! Your lengthy post is just plain over-thinking! A common problem with others on this site! 

UB-5 + NAD 3020 V2 = $800. Well within your budget! This is what I would buy for myself if I had a limited amount to spend!

Add the NAD 3020 V2 and you will have a killer combination! There is a brand-new one in an unopened box available now on EBay for $400 (free shipping) from seller "singledadsunited".This has a phono stage and DAC! And is Bluetooth ready!

Get the Elac UB-5's! Superb 3-way speaker designed by famed Brit Steve Jones (TAD). There is a pair now available on EBay for $408.91 (free shipping) from seller "savarety-official-store". That is about $100 less than the other sellers!

Legacy focus HD used?. I have seen up for sale. good luck.

Used NAD receiver ... and used Monitor Audio Silvers ? 

Unfortunately, I haven't found a place where I can go and listen.  They are either home theater companies or Best Buy.  Nothing in between.  But I'll keep looking.  It sounds like the ones I listed are really a no-go so that is good to know.  And I appreciate the suggestions.

Go listen to the small Ushers S-520. Also there are multiple KEF, Paradigim, and the list goes on. Your ears will tell you what you like, and so much is based on the equipment that is plugged into the wall. One thing I find is the equipment built for theater AV will not be as pleasant.  From what I am told that to get the licensing for things like THX, Dolby and other AV system requirements that they list on the front the company pays a handsome fee and so to keep the cost of the unit where they need it, they sometimes cut the corners on the materials.  If this is just for music try to avoid the theater based electronics.

I likely would put a little over half into the speakers and then work on the electronics as a rough start although you may find a bit more goes into the speakers in the begining. So replace the infinity first. And just because equipment is old doesn’t mean anything with some companies. I know people with very old equipment and incredible sound. Do you have a good place to go listen? Some high end shops do a used or consignment. And remember to let them know your room characteristics. I have seen Totem, and Vienna that you can get for that kind of money in used speakers, and depending on how they were used they can often sound new without the break in period. Just be a smart shopper and ask questions. You can also look online at places like US Audio Mart, or on this sight in the selling section.

It is not just how much you spend, but how you match your gear. You can spend thousands and still have mud. I have a pair of KEF 350 as one set and they were around $500. They aren’t amazing, but in the room they are in they work well. I also have an older set of Paradigms that I like for more classical and folk. You can find something just do a little research and get your ears to a shop if you can.

Check out Air Pulse Active Speakers by Phil Jones. 

Maybe I could push it to $1,000 for the speakers and receiver.  Maybe.