Hey everyone, I'm a poor college student going to school near Philadelphia, and I'd like to put together my first setup. About a year ago I ditched my Bose QuietComforts for a pair of Grado SR60s, which have been amazing. I'd like to do the same thing with my speakers, but I can only spend about $500.

From what I've gleaned from Stereophile's budget component reviews and the archives of this forum, both the PSB Alpha B1s and the Paradigm Atoms are good choices for bookshelf speakers.

I got a new headphone setup with k701 through E-MU 0404 USB with some headphone amps i borrowed(i haven't decided which one i want to buy). Although I like the headphones better than speakers, I still want a budget speaker sysetm.
I've been doing some reading, and I was thinking of the Super T power amp and PSB Alpha B1 hooked up to my e-mu 0404 USB.

The question is, am I missing something in that chain? and is super T power amp enough for that speaker? There are so many different numbers and I'm confused (especially the watt thing)

Any input on the merits of these two in comparison and contrast to each other considering a $4000 to $5000 difference in price?

Thanks,

- Jeff

I am new to these forums, but from what I've seen so far the community seems very supportive to newbies posting in this section. Here is a question for you guys... I am currently running a home theatre set up with an old Yamaha HTR 5560 (60W per ch.) driving all my speakers. This is fine for the center and surrounds but my mains are a pair of JBL ND-310II, with 10" woofers rated for 250w. Along with my subwoofer I'm fine and dandy for watching movies. When I switch over to stereo mode on the receiver to listen to music however, the system is lacking to say the least.

Has anyone auditioned this hyrid amp yet? I'd love for Stereophile to review this puppy, it'd be nice if JA could squeeze it in as one of his own reviews.

Thanks!