How do I start?

One piece a year for speakers, power/control and cables? Ouch! Buy a chance to hear some music today. $1500 can get you a decent used starter system. You can upgrade from there. I think Glen is right on. I would start with your room and where the speakers will be placed and where the listening position will be. These interaction are IMHO the most important for a sucessfull system. It will also narrow the field to a workable size. Perhaps you can give us details as to your listneing room, types of music you prefer and the volume you hope to achieve. We might be able to provide you will some options that are specific to your needs. Good luck.

At the risk of appearing mercenary, I have some nice pieces that would fit into your budget. All designed to work together. A step up from what your considering. I have moved into bigger quarters and really need a bigger rig. If your interested e-mail me. I apologize in advance to all for this apparent breach of decorum.

If you stick with a 2 channel system (my recommendation) you may be able to afford seperates up front( there are some nice value pieces advertised right here on Audiogon). Perhaps an intergrated amp as a compromise. You seem to be planning a long term upgrade approach. Thats fine, but having pieces is not having a system. Unless you see the most fantastic bargain you might as well hold onto your money till you can afford the system you want. More often than not the pieces that are useless by themselves will be depreciating with out use. A reciever may have the most bang for the buck, but it will certainly make it more difficult to pursue an upgrade path. At the sake of being redundant. IMHO, as you already have sources, think room, speakers, power, control and wires in that order. Good luck!