Entry into HiFi

Thank you all for the info, it insanely confusing, but I'm slowly getting a grasp.

So I think I start at speakers and from what I've read,and high efficiencies. Being in a new house and a bachelor, I've decided to dedicate my living room to a sectional, some art I've collected, and the HiFi. Essentially it is a 10x12 room will three walls, the back being open. Thats the setup, I would love standing speakers, but realize the quality of bookshelf at my prince range is much more tempting. And its hard wood, but with a carpet that takes up most the room - I would imagine that will have impact. Suggestions?

To answer some others - current speakers are an old pair of cerwin vegas, and the receiver is a non impressive pioneer w/ built in phono preamp. The stingray is beautiful - wow. As is the zen, I just love the look of tube amps. Gets me even more excited. Can't wait to choose speakers and find the perfect amp.

Thank you again guys and gals!

Which wall will the speakers be on and where will the open wall be relative to their placement? How loud do you like your music. Does your classic rock have to ROCK?

Thanks for the interest Phaelon, the speakers will be against the far wall as you face the room and they will project towards the open end, with a couch closing off part of aforementioned end for sitting and listening.

I like my music somewhat loud, but I'll never be looking to get a noise complaint, more enjoy the nuances of my music with a HiFi system. Think 8pm on a Tuesday with a martini.

Thanks you again

My pleasure Notjohnnyv. Choosing an audio system is no less personal than choosing a girlfriend. It really is that subjective. That said, the speaker that keeps running through my mind is the "Totem Model 1". I didn't see one currently available but it's a classic speaker and there's quite a few out there. If you're patient, I'm sure one will pop up shortly.