Just getting started

There is a feature on this site to build a virtual system based upon current blue book values of components.
If you go back to main page, click on LEARN, click on Virtual systems, you may have some fun seeing what you can do on your budget.
My advice? Save the fancy cables for later, later upgrades. I would focus on the basics: amp, preamp, cd player and speakers for now. Once you get the bug, the cables will come into play after you've upgraded your amp for the 3rd time! :-) Welcome to the wacky hobby. Beware, it is vERy HabiT forMing!

I just put together a sweet and perky office system with a Rega Planet CDP($400 used,audiogon), Rega Brio Integrated($400,demo audiogon), Wharfedale Diamond 7.2 speakers ($125,new eBay) plus some decent basic unused interconnects and speaker cables that I had about(approx.$125 used value)-total <$1100.
It may not be the most revealing or spectacular of systems but it does everything fundamentally correctly and is emotionally engaging and tuneful.The bottom line is that everything else is just gravy.
Best,
Ken

And boy, oh boy ... making gravy has never been more fun.

Hi Cumby, welcome to Audiogon. Very good advice from all above. I wish I could be of help but I do not know enough about products in this price range. I have many ICs and speaker cables laying around that you are welcome to try out. I am not a dealer and I am not trying to sell you anything. In fact you would be doing me a favor. Best of luck to you. Email me thru member look up.

Massvm,

Just make sure to stir it well to avoid lumps.
Best,
Ken