Best place to get orientation in buying equipment

Try to find a local mentor. Someone who is willing to educate you in the fine art not getting screwed!  A salesperson in a audio shop will only recommend the  products they sell. Also they have house and car payments to make too.  Search for local Audio Clubs. Facebook has tons of Audiophile and related groups. 

" A salesperson in a audio shop will only recommend the products they sell." Well that is certainly not true. When I was in the business, I had a good working relationship with 2 other local dealers. If a customer came in wanting something I didn't carry, I would send him up the street or I would get the item from one of the other dealers to satisfy them. We all did that because we wanted the customer to keep coming back and tell their friends.

@dill ,
+1
That is one of the reasons I recommended John Rutan. 
Bob

Yep, I agree with you Bob.

Fidelis and Audio Video Therapy in NH are great resources as well as Natural Sounds in Framingham MA. As stated Johnny Rutan at the Audio Connection in NJ is terrific as well as Mark at Reno if you are seeking advice on Pass equipment.
Get to as many places as possible as nothing beats listening.
Enjoy.