Opinions please on a starter audiophile system?

Not sure how that happened???

Get the all new BOSE acoustic wave music system series two and put a better ac plug like a wattgate on the end of the bose's ac power cord....you just saved a lot of money now!

I'm pretty sure this will fit in $4K:

Zu Soul loudspeakers - $1800/pr. Call up Zu and beg to be grandfathered in on the promotion that gets you the Superfly Edition for the regular price. But if they just can't, you'll be good to go with the regular model.

Jasmine Piano EL34 integrated amp - you'll have to check with cruzefirstaudio.com about the price but I think it's about $1300.00. Everything Jasmine makes sounds exceptional, and truly sensational for the price.

Oppo BDP83SE universal disc player - $899.00

If you can scrape up a bit more, get a set of Yeil Spike Sound Will magnetic levitation footers for the Oppo. You'll need the 10-20kg capacity set. Under the stock feet at each corner, these seriously upgrade the Oppo's sound and it's not the least bit subtle.

Use stock power cords and ICs, and feel free to use 16 or 14 ga. zipcord for speaker cable until you can peel off some cash for upgrades there. This system will yield beautiful music indefinitely, and will in fact improve for about the first three years as it is played in.

Phil

my suggestion to you is what I have for my 3rd system.

Magneplanar mmg OR 1.6 speakers...around 500 to 1100to1500 used, respectfully
Monarchy audio SM70pro mono amps (Class A)...about 1000 a pair
Jolida jd-100 tube cd player around 600 used.
Cables (either make your own or go for any inexpensive brand
Audible Illusion pre (L1 with vol control) used around 1000

you will be good to go 4 sure:)~

You should be able to do well for 4 large. Your room, if you can arrange to suit should work out well, too.
That being said, I'd say that all the Real Nice people giving you help spending your money aren't helping as much as possible.

Get somewhere to hear some systems. Talk to a real sales guy but NOT at the local big box multi-mart. Find a REAL audio store.

For the kind of money your looking at, an overnite in the nearest place where you can visit some stores would be in order. Spend the day. Call in advance, so you know they'll be open and have a system or 2 ready to audition. Bring some of your favorite music on CD. Bring an SACD if you own one.

Once you hear some real systems, than you can decide if the used market is for you. Playing 'equipement roulette' is not my idea of fun, though many enjoy the heck out of it.