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

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.

Check out the Yamaha line of receivers and integrated amplifiers.

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

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

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...

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.