My first REAL system...need some advice

I am providing you with several viable systems within the price ranges you suggest ($2000 to $4000 USD total). My preference is to go for a balanced system with a quality source. The theory being you want to avoid garbage in, garbage out from the very start.

System 1: $2048
Rotel RA-1062 integrated $699
Rotel RCD-1072 CD Player $699
B&W 685 Bookshelf speakers $650/pr.
Total cost: $2048 plus tax, cables and stands

This is not a bad system you have put together on paper. The Rotel electronics are fairly neutral and the amp is powerful, if a bit sterile sounding. The B&W 685's sound great with strong bass and smooth treble - a whole lot better overall than the model 602/603's they replace. If you are not putting these on a shelf, you would need to spring for stands. You could probably find the electronics used and get into the system for considerably less than retail price given here.

System 2: $2174
Cambridge 640A V2 Integrated Amp $600
Cambridge 640C V2 CD Player $600
Cambridge 640P Phono Stage $169
Dali Ikon 2 Bookshelf Speakers $805
Total cost: $2174 plus tax, cables and stands

This system would be in my mind a bit better than the Rotel/B&W system in terms of resolution, musicality and PRAT. I think the Rotel's are a little heavier duty build compared with the Cambridge electronics, but the Cambridge stuff offers more power, more and better DACs and a better phono stage compared with the Rotel's. The Dali's are great sounding speakers too.

System 3: $3244
NAD C372 Integrated Amp $999
Rega Apollo CD Player $995
B&W CM1 Bookshelf Speakers $1000
Bellari VP129 Tube Phono Preamp $250
Total cost: $3244 plus tax, cables and stands

This system would be well rounded and a little more analogue sounding than Systems 1 or 2, but with a great deal of authority provided by the 150W/ch NAD. The B&W CM1 speakers are really special with incredible bass and articulation for their size and price. Very cool looking boxes too.

System 4: $4069
PrimaLuna ProLogue Two Integrated Amp w/ phono stage $1574
Cambridge 840C CD Player $1395
Dynaudio Audience 52 Bookshelf Speaker $1100
Total cost: $4069 plus tax, cables and stands

This would be my favorite system with the PrimaLuna tube integrated. Don't know what turntable you are using, but this amp and speaker combo together with vinyl is just terrific. Not a big rocker. But sweet, sweet sweet with plenty of bass to go around.

System 6: (blow your budget)
Musical Fidelity A5.5 Integrated Amp $3000
Musical Fidelity A5.5 CD Player $3000
Revel profile M22 Bookshelf Speakers $2200
Total cost: $8200 plus tax, cables and stands

This system would rock your socks off with more authoritative bass than you could imagine from bookshelf speakers. You could probably find some M22's and previous models from MF, the A5's, for thousands less than this price.

In fact, you should try to get all of your gear used on Agon or other online source. These systems are for your consideration put together from components I have heard and liked or owned before. you could mix and match pieces, but don't scrimp on the front end.

Agree with Bob R about the big NAD, obviously.

Voodoochild,

Glad you might find this information helpful.

One correction, the price quoted above is for a new PrimaLuna ProLogue model one integrated with phono stage, not the model two as stated above. The model two has a little more power and therefore head room than the model one and a little better bass for about $300 more new. Don't be deceived by the 35 and 40 W respective power ratings for these tube integrated amplifiers, those watts will sound more like a solid 50 - 60W or more of solid state power in practice. Both of these come up from time to time on the used market.

A PrimaLuna based system would definitely be better for Brubeck than for Osborne, but it can get out of its own way when asked and the bass is tighter than typical for a budget tube amplifier, especially the model two. Another nice thing about the PrimaLuna and why I recommend it for people starting out in hi fi is that the amp automatically adjusts the bias on the tubes, so it is one less thing to fuss with. You could still role the tubes later if you are so inclined.

Good luck with putting your new system together. You might want to be driven to some degree by what is available on the used market since you can get some much more equipment value for your money there.