What speakers work well with Arcam Solo 5.1 amp

OK, based on a quick search your Solo 5.1 seems to be a fine one-box solution for audio and video. Combining flexible inputs and a moderately powered amplifier. 

As far as matching it to a pair of speakers, one must 1st consider electronic compatibility The most basic question is, "Will my amplifier drive _____ speakers in my room?" 

Then it comes down to finding the a host of speakers that qualify electrically (based on how easily they are to drive) and selecting a pair that sounds 'best'. To know this one must hear them, which can be the difficult part. 

Taking this in steps, let's start with some questions that will allow any responders to provide more valuable advise.

What is the size of room to be served by your system?
How loud do you listen at?
What sources will you be using CD, streaming, TV)? 
Are you located near audio stores and if so are you familiar with there offerings?

Many can help you narrow down speakers to be considered, only you can decide which pair will serve you 'best'.

Take your time and enjoy the search. 

I think you are wise to consider putting together a 2-channel system to start. One I use 2-channel for audio and also find it enjoyable for video. You can purchase a very high quality used pair of speakers with your budget. I am not familiar with the Arcam Solo 5.1. I will do some research and get back to you. I have heard some Arcam amplifiers and found them quite enjoyable.  

As a followup, given your budget, I believe you would be well served to focus on the learning curve toward on the purchase of a pair of main speakers and not confused the issue with use of a subwoofer. It is much easier and less costly to integrate a subwoofer into a system for video than for audio. For video, a relatively inexpensive subwoofer can be added later if desired to enhance action movies. 

Kesha, yes, I saw the specs on the Solo. Didn't think we were ready to get into that with 1st response. I will make an attempt to initiate the learning curve. 

So you have a moderately powered amp, 50-75 watts/channel (wpc) and few additional wpc into lower ohm loads. You are also playing into a somewhat large room and do play at high volumes.  This translates to a need for a speaker that easy to drive.

Such a  speaker plays loud with each given watt provided it by the amp. The speaker spec that tells you this is sensitivity (measured in dBs). Most speakers have sensitivity running between 83 to over 100 dBs. You also need a speaker that presents a relatively easy load (impedance measured in ohms). Most speakers are rated between 4 to 16 ohms. The lower the impedance the greater the load on an amplifier. Problem is that impedance of a speaker is not flat across the frequency range, making the true load on an amplifier provided by a speaker more difficult to determine. Many speakers listed as 8ohm, dip below 4 ohms somewhere in the frequency range. An ideal speaker for your situation would have a sensitivity of 88dB or higher and have a relatively flat impedance across the frequency range of 6 or greater ohms (one that does not dip below 5 ohms). 

You need to decide wether stand mount (also called bookshelf or monitor type) or tower (also called floor standing) speakers best fit into your listening environment. Often people prefer towers for a room of your size. Constraint in speaker placement into a room often dictates which type is preferred. As I am a fan of stand mounts speakers, I am more familiar with that type. 

With your 1st visit to the stores nearby, provide information as to your listening environment, listening habits, and specs on your Solo.
Take notes on their sales approach and speaker offerings. Narrow down the field of speakers you might consider for your system, and the salespersons you feel comfortable dealing with. Hopefully you will find ones that have the desire to understand your needs and knowledge on speakers to full fill them. 

Don't be in any hurry to purchase with 1st visit and keep us posted.    

Thanks for the kind words Louise. Please let me know the speakers that interest you. It is quite possible that some may have been reviewed in Stereophile. In their reviews there is technical information regarding true specs that tell how easy the speaker is driven. Enjoy the search. Mike

Louise, Remember, where ever it takes you to enjoy the ride. 

One complete source of information concerning home audio is 'The Complete Guide to High-End Audio' by Robert Harley. It contains more info than many need, however one can find answers to about any topic on audio therein.  A great roadmap for this venture.

Again, thanks for the nice words, Mike

Louise, Just checking back in. How is your search going? 

I did have a thought that lead to the question: Does your Arcam have preamp outputs? This would lead to the possibility, if space allows, of adding a different amplifier, which in turn expands the possibilities for speakers to be considered.