Help a newbie on an entry two-channel system

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions, This is really a great site!

I feel somewhat overwhelmed about the zillions of components and configurations after having read up a bit on hi-fi stuff. I figured that I might tap into some of you guys' knowledge here so that I can narrow my choices down before I start checking out stuff. I live in central Indiana and there are not many hi-fi dealers around, except in Indianapolis, which is quite a distance from where I am.

I noticed in Audiogon ads there are a few integrateds around $900-$1000, such as:
a. Musical Fidelity X-150
b. Plinius 8000 series

How about them?

Also for speakers, I read that Dynaudios have been regarded highly, but the contour series I am looking at are at least $1500 used. I may forego upgrading my Denon CD player for the time being if I have a chance to snatch up a pair of these.

I prefer a somewhat neutral to warm sound, esp. in the mid to high frequency range - the bright/metalic sound hurts my hears. I do not care that much about the so-called full/strong bass. Also I do not listen to full-scale ochestral music such as Malher and Bruckner's symphonies. The only orchestral works I listen to mostly are those featuring solo instruments (violin, piano, cello concertos, etc.). I do not turn the volume up that much, usually up to 12 o'clock mark.

I have already received valuable advice, which I will check out. Hopefully I can report back one in a while.

I've heard great things about the Plinius integrated, the 8200, I think. Totally ignorant, even in terms of hearsay, about the Musical Fidelity X line.

I am also a classical fan...everything from gregorian chant to modern minimalist compositions. I own the Totem Acoustic Arro's and in your size room they would be the ideal speaker for your musical taste. I am in love with my pair and I have no plans on upgrading. in a small to medium size room they have very good bass.

As far as the Musical Fidelity goes..stay away! As the famous Forest Gump said "that's all I have to say about that". Just kidding!.. You're about to make the mistake 99% of all audiophiles make getting into the hobby..you're looking at the big names out there. There's better quality as a whole IME going with the smaller companies.

The MF is pleasant gear.. it does give up resolution. Sounding murky and a bit flat after you've spent enough time with it. Or if you haven't lived with something better..you may love it for life.

You've claimed you don't listen at high volumes. Why would you want a high powered amplifier and hard to drive speakers? The more efficient your speakers are the more you can experiment with different amplifiers. You can also listen at lower levels without the music collapsing.

Buying used is great ..if you know what you're getting. Buying without listening..I would stick with companies that have a return policy and buy new.

Oh yeah.. never over look one of the most important parts of the system...THE SOURCE / FRONT END.

I agree strongly with what Gmood says about the source. If the high mids and the highs of your digital system hurt your ears, the first place to look for peace is the source. It makes more sense musically, in my experience, to spend a lot on the source and a little downstream than the other way 'round. Get an amp and speakers that don't do too much damage to a good signal, not an amp and speakers that reproduce a sad one faithfully.

That said, judicious (and inexpensive) tweaking--an isolation transformer, antivibration feet and chassis damping, for example--can help a source that is almost good enough.