Miked, you didnt say anything about stuff you already own. Do you have ANY equipment now? The way I did it was totally backwards of how most people do it, but UNLIKE most of the suggestions in this thread, I imagine you're like most people, in that you're not going to jump blindly into this addictive hobby without any prior equipment. Had I bought a whole system when I bought my first "high end" (lol) piece, a Parasound amp to go between my Sony ES receiver and Polk speakers, I would have hated it a year later. I didnt know what I would want, the only thing I knew was that this brand or that brand was well reviewed, etc... I suggest looking at it differently, if you are, in fact, going to plunk down lots of cash up front, and you dont have an existing system to work with. Remember, gentlemen, some of us were fairly happy with the low-fi crap we had before we learned to listen INTO the music, and really hear what the high end has to offer. I would suggest that if possible, you buy some excellent speakers, and integrate them into your existing system. The quality level of your system should go up, and since you havent been "spoiled" by high end preamps and sources, you'll like what you hear. If this aint an option, and you have to get down and dirty all at once, look for a dealer that is friendly, and not pushy, and talk to him. Tell him the story. Chances are that he will have some piece of equipment that, while being switched among and between other components, will light your fire. I agree with most of what Trelja says, but I bet he, too, didnt get it perfect in his first attempt at assembling a great system, probably, you won't either, if you're like any of us. The first "set" of components, the first system that you build, that is, the first piece that you purchase from each category (source, preamp, amp, speakers), will probably not be what you have a couple of years from now. I think it takes about a year of piddling, before you learn what kind of sound you want. For me, the tube preamp is the best thing I discovered. I bought a used Conrad Johnson preamp from a buddy, and it's the best thing I've got, I may never sell it. The Speakers and Amp need to work together well. THat's a place to start. Then, the Preamp needs to be good, which almost NOONE mentioned. I'd spend equal money on preamp and speakers, then maybe at least 60% of that value on an amp, where you can get pretty good (like my old parasound) for not alot of money. Finally, the source is the tough part. I bought a Rega Planet, new, for about $650, IT is by far the least expensive component (based on retail) that I have, and my rig sounds great. TO answer your question, then, keeping in mind the strange state of affairs with the competing (barely breathing is more like it) digital formats, I would spend the money like this. Out of $10k, I'd spend 3000 on speakers, 3000 on a preamp, 2000 on an amp, 2000 on source, and the remaining 1000 on cables. I suggest, however, that you start in the shallow end, and learn where you want to go before going into the deep end without swimmies. good luck. Whaddup Trel'?!?!
