The most important word of advise?

try to arrange (minimum overnight) home auditions - that way you can hear what the component sounds like in real-world conditions (i.e. your room, your other components). audio stores are always set up to make things sound their absolute best (they never have windows, they're always carpeted, etc.)

1. Pay cash & don't go into debt for any audio gear.
2. No matter the deal or craving, refer to item #1.

How about this: Observe the amount of time and energy you spend listening to the system and demand of yourself that an equal or greater degree of concentration be dedicated to listening and thinking about music. No conpromises!

Kurt_tank: Oops. As soon as I read your "First, . ." I knew. Thanks, I'll take your advice, and be more careful next time. Let others be advised to do the same.

What kind of listening do you do?

If you can only squeeze in an hour or two after work, you might want a system that is a little flashy and hyped.
By the time listening fatigue sets in, you're session will be done.

If you spend hours-on-end during the weekend, go for the neutral sound.

Also, if you do mostly low-level listening, make sure your speakers sound good at low levels (Thiel 1.6 does this very well).