Do look hard at used receiver / amps, though -- there are some real bargains out there, more so than with speakers.

In the $500 price range I would much prefer good speakers with a so-so amp than the other way round.

M60ti, VP180, QS8, M2ti, EP500, PC-Plus 20-39
M5HP, M40ti, Sierra-1
LFR1100 active, ADA1500-4 and -8