Quote Originally Posted by cokaznrebel
I was looking at the pictures for the M-501 and it has speakers A and B output and 1 stereo RCA input. I was under the impression that I would use a CD player or a pre-amp/reciever to plug into the input and the amplifier would drive the speakers from scratch. I cant really see any other way that would even be possible. If I up my budget to 300 what could you recommend?
Yes, the M-501 or basically any power amp can be driven by a preamp, receiver with preamp "outs", or by a CD player if it happens to have volume-controlled outputs; (do not use 'Tape Outs' or standard CD outputs because they aren't volume-controlled).

I'm not sure about the M-501 specifically, though Onkyo is good in general. Other good power amp bets are the Adcom GFA 545 or 555 that might be had for $300.