Want to setup basic home audio system

glupson: 
That would be a God send if I can get an amp for karma points! You just might find me posting around here haha. Most definitely, thanks for that advice!

geof3:
I see alot of B&W 601-603s for sale on offermeup. Did you buy them secondhand? How are they holding up? Any repairs?

rixthetrick:
I've been using cheap sennheiser headphones to learn songs on the guitar, but it gets a bit difficult when I try to learn songs on the violin. Maybe it's because I'm using cheap ones. But I also do like listening to music while falling asleep on my lazboy haha.

surfmuz:
Thanks for the recommendation! There's alot of 4-5 star reviews on Amazon. It also doesn't hurt that it's on sale for $160/ea on amazon. 

audioguy85:
The guy's got great vids. I like the ones where he shows all the pics of people's setup and goes through their gear!

panzrwagn:
It seems like integrated amps are the way to go with my budget range. Funny you mention the MA Bronze 2 model. There's someone near my city that's selling a Monitor Audio Bronze B4 Floor standing speakers NEAR MINT condition for $250 on usaudiomart. Hopefully I can get the guy to demo it. Thank you for your recommendations!

By now you have been given tons of great advice. I would add to take your time. Good deals aren’t good deals if you don’t need the component or if they force you to make a significant compromise. For instance, I have a pair of Thiel’s that are beautiful- but they average just above 2 ohms, they are not highly efficient. The sacrifice in owning these is they limit amps that can run them. The message to you is, buy efficient speakers first that also have a musical tendency. Some may not like these, but a set of Klipsch Quartets are available on Seattle CL. Klipsch has a strong fan base- maybe not on Agon, but elsewhere. With slight modifications- put auto soundproofing  material on backside of horns- these can really rock using almost any amp. I think the asking price might be high- but again, these will hold their value and allow you to get a feel for this while enjoying. You can even buy an EBay tube amp to effectively drive these- although I have never heard any of these. A Prima Luna is also on your CL. I have a set of Quartets hooked up to a Vincent SV500 hybrid integrated and they sound fantastic. That Vincent is another good choice as it has tube and SS, as well as an adequate dac. Add in a cheap streamer- Amazon dot recommendation or a Raspberry Pi, and you are set. Please take the brands I mentioned with a grain of salt but focus on the efficiency portion and value. Efficient Speakers that have a rabid following are a good choice initially because they open up your amp choices and allow a cost effective path to upgrade. 

Haven’t read every post in the the thread but has anyone recommended an all in one system such as Denon ?  For $500 OP
gets amplification, streamer, DAC.  Another $500 for speakers and stands and he is done, saves some $ on cables.  The Denon has gotten good reviews from Audiophile writers

Check out the Yamaha R-N602.  It’s $599.95, with a streamer, very solid amplification, and a full set of tone controls.  Then roll up your sleeves and build a pair of Parts Express Samba speakers.  They will compete with many $1500.00 pairs for $320.00 (plus whatever you spend to finish them on veneers or paint).  Finally, a good pair of budget steel stands from Pangea or Sanus....or build your own from scratch I’d you have the ability.  Some Transparent HP-122 and banana plugs, and you’re off to the races!