Want to setup basic home audio system

Anyone here needing to clean the closet and has an amplifier or speakers to donate? Good karma will come to you.

   I went down that road long ago. Having a limited budget but still wanting to get the most for my dollar. Music is my primary focus. Made many mistakes along the way. There is good advice from many responding to your post. From all those responses I believe corelli has the most sound advice. Reason is...the heart of the system is the speakers and amp. The source certainly comes in after those.

   The deals as far as cost in the used market are tempting and many great deals are to be had. However, don't underestimate the synergy of the amp and speakers. Some really good speakers and good amps may sound good but will they sound good together? That's the key. I've experienced that with expensive amps and speakers that didn't perform like a team.

   If you go for the used market you are limited to the reviews of opinions from many but are not able to actually audition how they sound for yourself. That's where going to an audio dealer that may have the components you have interest in and will fit into your budget comes in. Audition amp and speaker combinations and decide what sounds best to you. If the dealer may also have the sources you prefer audition them as well.

   Tweaks such as interconnects, power cords, room treatments, etc. can come later. You are looking for a good sounding system capable of what pleases you now. Good luck.

An amp, a source, some long-ass wire, some speakers, some interconnects, tools 🛠 

Fun to think about. My guess is that I'm not alone out here in having haunted stereo stores since I was a teenager. It's free to look and listen and you can get a good sense of what's reasonable to expect at that budget. Putting together your own system with used equipment online is a great way to enjoy this "hobby," and a great way to save money, but you really have to know what you're doing, both in terms of the gear and the risks of online purchases. It looks like you have a few options for Seattle stores that sell some nice stuff. A good hi-end store should be able to put together a well integrated beginner system, and if they know what they're doing they'll treat you well ... and you'll end up back there, upgrading and upgrading! 

thecarpathian:
I’ve been eyeing ascend speakers after reading about them a lot on reddit and avforums. Thank you for the amp recommendation as well! Now I can start off somewhere and do my dd. I will definitely be looking at the used speaker marketplaces.
I decided to check out Best Buy magnolia tomorrow to test new speakers. You definitely been active in this thread and I’m extremely grateful for that!

chorus:
do you live in Washington state as well? You’re bada** for recommending a local shop. Man I am excited to check out their used selection! They definitely got great speakers and amps. I will call tomorrow and speak more with Dominic. Hopefully I can demo some of the used speakers and amps. Also, Cambridge audio speakers are well within my range! Got lost a few hours on their website browsing thru their products lol.

Ihasaguy:
how can I tell the difference between high efficiency speakers and normal efficiency ones? Are you talking about powered speakers rather than passive speakers?

glupson:
Hahahaha!! You got the best idea. But I agree with you. Good karma will come to those that send me your used gear.

jrpnde:
those are some great advices! I am more tempted to check out local audio dealers and work with them before settling on anything. You’re right on the money that I should get a system that works together as a unit. Thank you for that advice!