It helps to go out with some reference CDs and educate your ear as to what speakers of different designs will and won't do. Falling in love with a speaker helps to clarify a number of other issues, especially if you are fortunate to fall in love with one you can afford and will work in your listening environment. Be patient. Research like crazy. Stereophile, Absolute Sound, audioreview, audiogon and audioasylum all have their place. Joining an audio club will expose you to resources in your area you might not be aware of. Good cables, premium tubes, power conditioners, designated outlets all make a difference. Analogue does sound better, but it's a lifestyle choice.
At the risk of stating the obvious, don't overspend on the hardware. Your emphasis should be on the software. There are all kinds of great new/old artists out there waiting to be discovered. As was said in The Red Shoes: "The only thing that matters is the music."
At the risk of stating the obvious, don't overspend on the hardware. Your emphasis should be on the software. There are all kinds of great new/old artists out there waiting to be discovered. As was said in The Red Shoes: "The only thing that matters is the music."