New to the 2 channel where to start??

Get some speakers that you like the sound of first, in your case I would go out and listen to some speakers that are easy to drive as this will save you money when your ready for an amp. Build your system around the speakers.

I used to agree with the "build your system around your speakers" philosophy until I hear $300.00 speakers driven with $3,500.00 worth of tube amps.

I guess the first question would be "what is your budget?"

No one wants to spend too much, but everybody's definition is different. Actually, there are 3 questions to start with:
1) How much do you want to spend?
2) How much do you want the system to do (CDs, SACDs, DVD-As, LPs, radio, etc.)?
3) What's the room like (dimensions, absorptive vs. reflective surfaces, flexibility)?

Give us a ballpark budget, and priorities as far as Q. #2 above, and we can be more help.