want to build a 2 channel system where do i start

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

You can build a world class system for much less.

I would look at:

ATC speakers (they come in active or passive configurations)
I would recommend their active series--you get a class A amp that is perfectly balanced)

Can now connect to a balanced CD player

Done.

If you wish to go analogue, add a pre-amp, phono stage and a simple turntable. EAR, Bryston and Rega make excellent products here.