Opinions please on a starter audiophile system?

Getting off the merry-go-round implies being able to make some nice final choices. That requires listening to a bunch of different speaker/amp combinations to find out what gets you 'that feeling.' This means discovering the relationship between Peter_s' question and the amp/speaker combo. For me, it is efficient speakers which go low and tube amps. I would recommend listening to systems where you can to get a feeling of what kind of sound does it for you and THEN asking the same question.

For that price, for jazz/folk/rock/jambands, and an expectation to listen to the same system with no real change for the next 20 years, and a $4k budget, I would choose Altec Model 19 speakers, an integrated tube amp like a Manley Stingray or similar (or some DIY tube amp kits through Bottlehead - you can build them yourself but they also come up on Audiogon from time to time), and your choice of CDP/digital. Personally, I would go for a music server through a 'Buffalo DAC' (twistedpearaudio.com) but that would require some DIY for the DAC. Cables would be your choice or roll-your-own.

Keep Polks.
Buy used stuff. Adcom, Bryston..
Skip cables/ use cheap stuff.
enjoy.

You can get a lot of stereo for $4000. Keep in mind that it will sound very different at home than in a store. Don't be afraid to drag an amp and pre around to test speakers or even bring gear home to try on your speakers.
I'd revamp the entire system. Spend equally on each piece. Do you need dvd instead of cd? Most blue ray players make excellent cd players. Speakers have changed a lot in 20 years. Small satellites with or without a sub can be great. Don't get cheap on the stands though. Finally, do you want radio? You can always add a really cheap tuner but it may be much cleaner to be built into a pre.

Two suggestions. Check the budget minded systems to see what's possible. There are some great systems designed to suit a range of tastes in here.
Next suggestion is to make a few purchases from sellers with good feedback and see what you think. The experience of trial and error in your own environment is invaluable IMO. This method has worked for me. My system was put together within your budget but has a MSRP way above.
Make that three suggestions, enjoy the music.

$4,000 is plenty of money to puit together a VERY fine-sounding system.

1st, I'd settle on some speakers. I am (quite) biased here, Ifind my Gallo Reference 3.1s to be the best all-around speaker in its price category. They can be found here on A'gon for $1500 - 1800 per pair all the time.

Now, we need a good, "ballsy", high-current amp to drive the Gallos. I have had some very good experiences with the NAD brand. They have massive power supplies to provide a good measure of headroom and their high-current design will mate up quite well with the Gallos.

80 Watts/ch $169:
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http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1279140013&/NAD-2200-Power-Amplifier-–-Cla

150 Watts/ch - $475:
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http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1278950998&/NAD-C272-

Finally, you need a source. The Oppo 83 SE is getting stellar reviews from all who have heard it, and the price is quite reasnable for the sound and build quality of the unit. Purchase directly from OppoDigital.com for $499 for the "regular" edition and $899 for the SE version. The SE has the latest Sabre ESS DACS, supposed to be about the best in the world for 2-channel listening.

http://oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-83SE/

If you add all this up:

$1,800
169
499
======
$2,469

=OR=

$1,800
169
899
======
$2,869

This leaves you PLENTY OF money left over to get some nice cables and perhaps even a nice rack. I can absolutely guarantee that either of these systems will knock your socks off with their sound quality and ease of setup and placement of the speakers.

Best Wishes,

-RW-