The most important word of advise?

Number 1 would be Audiogon. Read, study and learn and buy used from members that have good feedback and have been around awhile.

Audiogon has opened to me the world of high end audio that is affordable.

Number 2 is don't spend all your money on digital. Digital is good for making love, cleaning the house or any other activities that don't require you to flip a LP over every 20 min.

Understand analog. Here is where the music can breath and have life. Most who have gone over the top are into analog and will never look back.

The best and most sophisticated piece of test equipment is your two ears. Develop them.

Narrow it down to 3 or 4 CD's to use in selecting componets. One with a piano, one with violins, maybe a James Taylor CD (try to get his voice right!), and one you just love. Use these same ones everytime you audition. Don't get analytial, just ask youself if this component draws you in more.

Amp and speaker matching is very important but start with the speaker. It has to fit the room.

Good luck.

Never trust anything that bleeds for three days and does not die.

Listen to everything in your home environment.

GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!!!!