stereo setup for newbie

Well newbie, it's a great sport.. LOL stick around and you'll see what I mean. I think you need a couple of part too.  You need a preamp, or an integrated amp. (preamp and amp in the same chassis). 

Your gonna need a source, CD, turntable, stream, tape, laptop..

Cabling, need a few $$$ for cables, no need to go nuts.
No need to buy or use junk either.  Raw speaker cable with trimmed and or tinned ends, will be the least for the most.
A friend with the cable bug is good too. BUT DON'T spend a bunch of money, because he or she did. 
  
RCAs and XLRs, someone can chime in, best to buy, new or used.
DIY, you can do it, but, there is a trick or two. You can't build GREAT RCAs or XLRs without spending money, 2-6 pairs though, GREAT parts, may cost you more than what you can buy (pre made), because of the "bulk buy" ability of some cable guys, and where they are made. Their labor and material cost may be less expensive, than your DIY, learning curve, and parts cost...

PC (power cords), don't go nuts...

Power Supply surge protection, maint. ect? It's your money do you want to protect your 2000.00 (start) 4000.00 (finish lol) stereo system?

Regards

BTW not laughing at the cost of 4000.00 just it ALWAYS cost more than you think... Like double...may be a little overboard, but your gonna be surprised..

Regards

Advice FREE, Go tubes, do not go SS. Thats all I have to suggest. The SS groupies will tell ya, go SS. 
You take your pick. 

Thanks guys for the tips and advice. I'm still doing more research as to what is the right route to take. I've never had a tube amp before so I'm a little nervous going the tubes route. With SS, there are more choices and somewhat more affordable. I'm just starting out with entry level stuff but maybe will switch to tube further down the road when I zero in on my musical preference. 

If you go tube you will need very efficient speakers.