Looking to build a system for under $5k

Johnny R is one of the most knowledgable and trustworthy dealers you will find. He is also smart in that he focuses on brands that are likely to pass the test of time. After you visit with him, you will have a high standard on which to compare others. Cheers,
Spencer

Spatial Audio M3 Turbos, a PS Audio Sprout, and a decent CD transport can keep you well under $5k.  AQ cables.  Done.

I'm running a Sprout with M1 Turbos, and loving it.  Old Theta Pearl transport, old MIT cables.  Li'l Sproutie has plenty of power to blow you out of the room with the highly-efficient M3s.

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.