Best place to get orientation in buying equipment

The Music Room here in Colorado if you're  looking for used gear... and if you're looking in Colorado, we have number of good dealers here.  ListenUp is great as is Crescendo fine audio.
Remember to enjoy the music!

Johnny Rutan (audioconnection- here on audiogon).
Bob

Thanks everyone for responding will sure get a oook at all your recommendations 

Try to find a local mentor. Someone who is willing to educate you in the fine art not getting screwed!  A salesperson in a audio shop will only recommend the  products they sell. Also they have house and car payments to make too.  Search for local Audio Clubs. Facebook has tons of Audiophile and related groups. 

" A salesperson in a audio shop will only recommend the products they sell." Well that is certainly not true. When I was in the business, I had a good working relationship with 2 other local dealers. If a customer came in wanting something I didn't carry, I would send him up the street or I would get the item from one of the other dealers to satisfy them. We all did that because we wanted the customer to keep coming back and tell their friends.