better ears than budget, so i would like to think

Sophia Baby tube amp is very nice sounding; used at 450. A pair of Omega single driver speakers and a nice used Sony DVP-S7000 DVD player which makes a good CD player (and even better transport; yes, you should buy a good used DAC eventually). The Sony will cost 150 > 200; The Omegas used 300 to 600 depending on model and they have a few. That is just a little over a grand. For wires simply use quality 12gauge pure copper wire with good insulation. The Home Depot stuff is fine until you acquire something a bit better. Belden also sells some good 12g but I don't know the pricing in small quantities; I picked up a 500 ft roll via a whole sale license for 200 bux.