Bruce, think about the system as a whole. Synergy between your speakers, amps, and CD/TT/cables,etc is the key.
Thre must be some good HiFi stores in S Cal. that can demo some top quality systems, also, there are probably audio clubs in your area where you can hear others' systems and opinions, sood good some not! Trust your ears. Listen to your music when demoing stuff. Everyone has their favorites, and different ears. When you connect emotionally with the music, and it draws you in, you are probably getting an idea what you like, dislike, and why.
Have fun, with a buget like that, you could travel to hear exotic stuff not easily found, audio shows too can be helpful for the same reasons and also to make new connections.
Don't forget live performances, imagine the concerts you could travel to. MUSIC IS the reference!
Alan
Thre must be some good HiFi stores in S Cal. that can demo some top quality systems, also, there are probably audio clubs in your area where you can hear others' systems and opinions, sood good some not! Trust your ears. Listen to your music when demoing stuff. Everyone has their favorites, and different ears. When you connect emotionally with the music, and it draws you in, you are probably getting an idea what you like, dislike, and why.
Have fun, with a buget like that, you could travel to hear exotic stuff not easily found, audio shows too can be helpful for the same reasons and also to make new connections.
Don't forget live performances, imagine the concerts you could travel to. MUSIC IS the reference!
Alan