Where to start in building a beginner's system?

I have a old Sonus Faber Concerto speakers. The receiver I had stopped working. I would like to replace the receiver with high end audio (music only) system. I use IPOD as the source. What kind of receiver / amps / IPOD transport should I get? Which brand? Should I buy my components here in Audiogon? Or Am I better off buying it from a dealer? What would be a good budget to start with?

Thanks.