budget speakers for Musical Fidelity A300 ?

At under $600, you will do very well looking at the classifieds (monitor) listings here.

One recent listing that stands out to me, is the Neat Motive 3s listed. I use Neat Critiques with a Rega amp and find the Critiques wonderful speakers. According to Bob at Neat Speakers, the Motive 3 is the current offering most like the Critiques. They should do well with you eclectic tastes.

Agree that you should look at monitors and do your homework/Leg work. Try to listen to as many speakers as possible there are some giant killers in your price range that may be just what your like.

Second the idea of used Vandersteen 1C's. Damn good sound with a bottom end not many monitors can reach.

The Magnepan MMGs get rave reviews from everyone. Also, the Paradigm Studio 40s are very well thought of and might be in your price range if purchased used...The PSB line also gets high marks from all reviewers. Again, look for used here on Audiogon.

Here are some Studio 80s for a good price. I had these speakers and enjoyed them very much:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1309271451&/Paradigm-Studio-80-v2-Well-car

Here's a guy offering Studio 60s for $750 and he'll throw in a VERY nice Paradigm Center speaker. This is a smokin' deal:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1307154844&/Paradigm-Studio-60-V.3-Pair-of

I realize that these are a bit above your price range, but it would be well worth it to you to stretch that figure just a bit, you'll get a whole lot more speaker...

-RW-

Thank you for all the tips! Very helpful. I am certainly looking at buying used to get something nicer. Not planning to run subs or center speakers.
I have not found leads for Vandersteens 1c's yet but there are several 2c's here at possible prices (not sure of the version differences, 2ci vs 2ce). I will dig into learning more about monitors also.
Is it ok to run speakers rated for 80W (1c's) through the 150W amp if I never go past 50 percent volume ? :)