Here is a highly opinionated belief by yours truly. All else equal, speakers are by far the most important component in your system. I would recommend putting 60+% of your overall budget into the speakers, get adequate amplification next, and then make compromises elsewhere (CD player?). I have found the differences between a $200 CD player and a $12,000 combo one very subtle. Try it with speakers and the difference will blow you out of your seat. Also, the speakers are the weakest link in reproducing accurate sound.
