advice needed on 1st real stereo system

thanks everyone for the insights - very helpful for a 1st timer.

I am looking to spend <3k. I am planning to use as a 2 channel to cover all my audio needs, including digital music on my mac, TV, and perhaps a record player later on. Hopefully an "all things to all people" kind of system. Hence the peachtree was recommended.

I was pretty impressed w/ the totem rainmakers without subwoof. However, my guess is that $300 cables aren't that important.

The biggest question for me is how much better sound do i get from Decco (65 watts / channel) vs. Nova (125 watts/channel). Unfortunately could not demo the Decco at the store...

Any thoughts?

Thanks again for all the help.

I agree with Philiojet. If you play rock/jazz/classical like I do and you have the right room for it Audio Note speakers-- AN-E's or J's play all types of music. The E-s like tube amps. 8-20 watts is all you need. Just be sure to hear them first. Seems like folks either love em or don't.

Hello NG1 and welcome. I would try and listen to as many systems as I could before making a decision. If you could get to a show that would be ideal. Systems tend to have characteristics that some like, some don't. You will hear terms like "musical", "analytical", "warm", "bright", etc to describe components and systems.
As far as cables, component isolation, etc. remember that a system can only be as good as it's weakest link. You don't have to spend foolishly but all parts of the system should be addressed. If you stay focused on great music and ht and forget about the bling you should be ok.

I would go with the Nova over the Decca. You are correct that added power helps with dynamics especially with you liking classical music. Also looking at the ohm power ratings of the two the Nova being more powerful comes much closer to doubling its power into 4 ohms. This generally means that the power supply is a little more robust. As far as totems Inhabe not heard them but they generally receive good reviews. I wouldn't bother with cables until all your other componets are a little closer to being topped out. While cables do make a difference it's nothing comparable to upgrading your speakers.