Looking to build a system for under $5k

You can buy a lot of good quality used gear for $5K.

Here's an example of a system that would allow you to get into playing digital files at some future date. Total spend on gear is estimated at $3,550, and decent (but not high end) cabling at $1,450. For cabling, there are a lots of used deals in the price range I quoted.

All prices for the gear below has been found on either Audiogon or USAudioMart. With a bit of negotiation, you could pay less.

Doge 8 tube preamp - $1,000
Teac UD-501 DAC - $600
ADCOM GFA-555 monoblocks (600 W) $550
Denon DVD-2900 SACD/CD player $200
Yamaha NS-1000M speakers  $1,200

Sub-total: $3,550
 
cables:
Wireworld Equinox 7 speaker  $500
RCA interconnects (3 x $250) = $750
 Coax (digital) cable $200

Sub-total: $1,450

Grand Total: $5,000

Enjoy the search!

I live in HI where there are 2 dealers, neither of which is open most of the time. Since my in-laws live in DE I looked there and found Overture Audio, one of the best dealers in the US. They sell the full range of stuff from entry level to Devialet, McIntosh, Hegel, etc. I have bought one item from them over the years and spent hours there listening to different things. Might want to check them out. I also bought equipment from Quest for Sound in Bensalem, PA. I wanted to hear Kef LS50s. I spend a day there and got great gear at great prices with a no pressure experience. In fact, when I mentioned upping my purchase of a Marantz amp to the Reference level they suggested I listen more as they didnt think it was worth the increased dollars!

Audiogon was partially born on purchasing used gear. $5k will build quite a system buying used.

ML Theos loudspeakers
ML Depth i subwoofer
PS Audio NuWave DAC
Dennis Had, former CARY AUDIO, Inspire Firebottle KT88 amp, Inspire LP2 preamp
Marantz TT1S1 turntable w/ Clearaudio cartridge

Entire system under $5k. There's too much depreciation in gear for some of us to buy new. If one has money to burn, then obviously one isn't bound by $5k.

Hi Joe , Lots of advice given . Try to keep this in mind .
You Will change things !  it happens to all of us .

Lots of trial & error - then success .  You will hear things  especially speakers in sound rooms - they will sound great .
a] pay attention to what components are be used to drive speakers ?
b] acoustics in these sound rooms are tweaked - usually big time .

I'm very familiar with you type of bedroom - lots of angles , lower ceiling  ,  etc  . Placement will be critical .
Finding a pair of speakers is critical but will be hard until you hear them in your room you will not know for sure . 
I'm thinking [ and have been through this ] a speaker with more of an open sound will fill room nicely 
I went through box style  like KLH5's , Spendor A5's ,Golden ear 5's 
Magnepan .7's    
Right now I'm using & quite happy with an older used pair of DQ10'S 
They are not necessarily better [ the spendors & maagies were great] but they SOUND better in my room [ its a basement with a low ceiling and has proven to be a real pain in the a$$]

You may do well to start with some basic [ less $ ] equipment and find your sweet spot

one thing that has been mentioned - Blue Jean Cables -  very good all you'll need
also I'm a big fan of Rogue audio - the newer Sphinx is a real good " best bang for the buck" int amp ..

Good luck & don't forget to Listen to the Music ! You will get caught up listening to equipment .    

Hi Joe,
I started long time ago with a Rega products (Brio amp & EL8 speakerd) and I still have them up to today.  And plus if you are thinking buying LP in the future, they have very good LP player at reasonable price comparison to different brands. For a CD player I would think about an universal player like OPPO. But first, you should look for an specialized audio store around your area and listen to different brands and combination to educate your ears. All our recommendations are subjectives. The best system is the one that makes you tape your feet. Do not waste your time in big box stores. 5k$ is a very good buget.