want to build a 2 channel system where do i start

A system should be built around a pair of speakers and a compatible amplifier.

After that, the world is your oyster.

mpg2971,, btw, there are some myths out there regarding musical genres and spkr design. be your own guide or you might fall into this trap. not bashing peoples opinions but as you sound new to it i just wanted to give you a heads up. choose the spkr you like with your cd or lp playing. you gotta live with it, not the salesman. i listened to some $$ thiels once and was not that impressed and the salesman acted as if i was wrong to state i found them not very satisfying. there is no right or wrong in subjective perceptual experiences.

I would say that you could spend about half that amount and still get something that sounds fantastic - then you have alot more money left over for records, CD's, and live concert tickets.

I would spend most of my money on the speakers. Without good speakers everything else is a dead end.

thanks everyone great ideas,mike