New or used???

"Look for widows that are selling the husband's system."

And just how in the world does one go about finding these outraged widows? Does one surreptitiously slither into a passing funeral procession, cozy up to the bereaved, rat him out and suggest it would serve him right if his most prized possession wound up in your hands? Good god man!

On second thought - In spite of the occasionally heated rhetoric, I've always thought of my fellow Audiogoners as family. In keeping with that sentiment in which I'm sure many of us share, I hereby call upon audiogon to post obituaries of it's deceased members and... Oh my!... this is just too sad, I'm overcome with grief, I can't go on.

Hi Jhkear,
I noticed that you didn't mention auditioning anything from JM Lab. IMHO that is an unfortunate omission. Used speakers from the Utopia and Electra lines are frequently available for a good price on Audiogon and it's a well established company if service is needed. Personally, in your price range, I would look at the pre Beryllium Mini or Mezzo Utopias.

Jhkear,
Your initial post suggested, to me at least, that a speaker purchase was just your starting off point and that appropriate supporting equipment would be forthcoming. If your entire budget hovers around $5000 then Jj2468 is absolutely correct. Don't blow your entire budget on speakers. Use the audiogon classifieds and keep asking for help on these forums - there are some knowledgeable people here. IMO, the synergy between your equipment is more important than the equipment.

Regards

Tvad, this post screams for your input.

I second T_bone's advice and urge you to find some local audio enthusiasts who are willing to guide you. Please take no offense, but IMO the chances of anyone new to the high end walking into a high end salon by themselves and maximizing the return on their $10,000 investment is remote. I don't care how good you think your ears are, it would be like someone unfamiliar with fine wine showing up to a blind tasting and selecting the Grand Cru Bordeaux. And you can't depend on your friendly charismatic retailer having your best interest at heart. Below if the website for the Colorado Audio Society.

Regards

http://www.coloaudio.com/CAS

5k CDs, eclectic variety - nicely done. Many of the good folks here on Audiogon are well healed hobbyists who build there systems by continuously trading one piece of equipment for another; there is nothing wrong with that but it can be a very expensive way of doing things and, except for the lucky few, cost prohibitive if your always buying retail. That's not what I'm getting from you. I'm sensing you're about the music and that the equipment is simply a means to that end. Over time, high end equipment will expose you to musical insights and and nuances previously unappreciated; your listening skills and personal taste is going to evolve. All systems involve compromise and I guess what I'm wishing for you is the flexibility to make a few advances down the road without taking the financial hit you will surely take if you buy retail. I have a passion for tubes but it took time for that to develop. I'm only telling you what I wish someone told me 20 years ago.

Regards