I just went through this process for the first time in 10 years and did a combination of buying used, new, or highly discounted new. I ended up with Nordost Red dawn ICs, purchased a new digital IC and PC from VH Audio for what I think is a good value for the money, and got a couple of PS Audio Xtreme Statement PCs new on auction for my PS Audio power conditioners.
As for speaker cables I am buying new Alpha Core Goertz MI-2 Veracity and Python Hybrid Bi-wire. I will compare those with my existing XLO and see what happens. These speaker cables have a 30 day return policy. There are many other cable companies out there offering the same so why not take advantage of it to do some testing. I have a couple more PCs to buy. Looking at used Virtual Dynamics and Electraglide, maybe new VH Audio Airsine.
As for speaker cables I am buying new Alpha Core Goertz MI-2 Veracity and Python Hybrid Bi-wire. I will compare those with my existing XLO and see what happens. These speaker cables have a 30 day return policy. There are many other cable companies out there offering the same so why not take advantage of it to do some testing. I have a couple more PCs to buy. Looking at used Virtual Dynamics and Electraglide, maybe new VH Audio Airsine.