This is a wide open set questions with multiple correct answers. Almost all of which depend on you. You’ll likely get responses from many different perspectives, and it’s very likely no one will be able to give advice that’s 100% correct and definitive for your needs. The fact that you’re asking tells me your already an above average consumer.
Before you dive too far in, questions to ask yourself, are what kind of a listener are you? Mostly casual with background music keeping you company, or are you likely to listen attentively, work on proper setup, and work to optimize the system to get a musical experience? Do you prefer loud rock or soft jazz, or maybe a mix? Do you have any musical background? (not a requirement, but some folks are simply musically tone deaf and there’s less reason to get too carried away with the equipment. On the other hand serious musicians often take their sound system seriously too). Somer folks are extremely interested in improving, changing, and enhancing their systems through numerous tweaks, mods, and upgrades....some just want to plug and play...which are you? (because you build stuff with wood, that might be a hint). Also, audio buffs tend to be a combination of music lover and technical geeks....most of us are a little of both, but it’s good to figure out where your passion is, and buy equipment that’s best suited for your preferences.
Your listening room plays a large part in the end result of your system, and there’s a science/art to dealing with the room. That’s a whole different set of information to learn.
With that said, even though it will likely occur in a different room from yours, I happen to think it’s excellent idea to hear as many good systems as you can, and start to identify the types of sounds you like and don’t like. There’s no single correct way to build a system, but it’s critical that it pleases you. Hearing is a sense. Listening is a skill, and it can be developed. I suggest listening to all kinds of price levels, even stuff beyond budget if it helps identify what you like. Price isn’t always indicative of sound quality, but there is some correlation, With experience, you may gain the ability to replicate more expensive sound by spending less, but spending wisely. Used gear can result in big savings if the right deal comes along. DIY and kits can also result in getting more for the money.
There are always exceptions and differing opinions in audio....it’s very subjective, so what YOU like is key. There can be significant or subtle differences between audio gear...it depends on the gear, the setup, source material being played, and who’s listening, but many feel that speakers tend to offer the biggest differences in the overall sound. It’s a good idea to pick speakers that you love the sound of, and that will work well in your room. Larger speakers tend to put out more deep bass....that’s great if it’s what you like, and if they don’t excite resonances in your room. Sometimes smaller speakers with less bass output are a bit easier to place and get to perform well in certain rooms because there’s simply less bass output to stimulate the room in the first place....subwoofers can always be added to augment bass if necessary. Speaker sensitivity and impedance are considerations for the amp you’ll need to drive them, so it’s worth learning a bit about.
You’ll also want to identify what your main music sources will be....records, CDs, radio, reel to reel, digital? Each has different equipment needs for sure. Some love vinyl, others find it a nuisance. At some point tubes vs solid state may come up....there are pros and cons with every choice. Specs can be both useful and useless...it’s good to know and understand what they mean, but most gear is made to measure well, and ultimately tells you very little about how something actually sounds (not so different than wwing specs like rpm and runout). Trust your ears, and don’t make hobby out of reading specs. Gather as much info as you can, and buy what you love. It’s a journey...sometimes a long one, so be sure to enjoy it.
Before you dive too far in, questions to ask yourself, are what kind of a listener are you? Mostly casual with background music keeping you company, or are you likely to listen attentively, work on proper setup, and work to optimize the system to get a musical experience? Do you prefer loud rock or soft jazz, or maybe a mix? Do you have any musical background? (not a requirement, but some folks are simply musically tone deaf and there’s less reason to get too carried away with the equipment. On the other hand serious musicians often take their sound system seriously too). Somer folks are extremely interested in improving, changing, and enhancing their systems through numerous tweaks, mods, and upgrades....some just want to plug and play...which are you? (because you build stuff with wood, that might be a hint). Also, audio buffs tend to be a combination of music lover and technical geeks....most of us are a little of both, but it’s good to figure out where your passion is, and buy equipment that’s best suited for your preferences.
Your listening room plays a large part in the end result of your system, and there’s a science/art to dealing with the room. That’s a whole different set of information to learn.
With that said, even though it will likely occur in a different room from yours, I happen to think it’s excellent idea to hear as many good systems as you can, and start to identify the types of sounds you like and don’t like. There’s no single correct way to build a system, but it’s critical that it pleases you. Hearing is a sense. Listening is a skill, and it can be developed. I suggest listening to all kinds of price levels, even stuff beyond budget if it helps identify what you like. Price isn’t always indicative of sound quality, but there is some correlation, With experience, you may gain the ability to replicate more expensive sound by spending less, but spending wisely. Used gear can result in big savings if the right deal comes along. DIY and kits can also result in getting more for the money.
There are always exceptions and differing opinions in audio....it’s very subjective, so what YOU like is key. There can be significant or subtle differences between audio gear...it depends on the gear, the setup, source material being played, and who’s listening, but many feel that speakers tend to offer the biggest differences in the overall sound. It’s a good idea to pick speakers that you love the sound of, and that will work well in your room. Larger speakers tend to put out more deep bass....that’s great if it’s what you like, and if they don’t excite resonances in your room. Sometimes smaller speakers with less bass output are a bit easier to place and get to perform well in certain rooms because there’s simply less bass output to stimulate the room in the first place....subwoofers can always be added to augment bass if necessary. Speaker sensitivity and impedance are considerations for the amp you’ll need to drive them, so it’s worth learning a bit about.
You’ll also want to identify what your main music sources will be....records, CDs, radio, reel to reel, digital? Each has different equipment needs for sure. Some love vinyl, others find it a nuisance. At some point tubes vs solid state may come up....there are pros and cons with every choice. Specs can be both useful and useless...it’s good to know and understand what they mean, but most gear is made to measure well, and ultimately tells you very little about how something actually sounds (not so different than wwing specs like rpm and runout). Trust your ears, and don’t make hobby out of reading specs. Gather as much info as you can, and buy what you love. It’s a journey...sometimes a long one, so be sure to enjoy it.