Buying the right tool (aka gear) the first time...

Are you the kind of person that constantly second guesses yourself? Have you already “been there, done that” enough so you can categorically state preferences without doubt? Do you have a budget in mind or a performance goal? Are you in a hurry?

if you’re starting from scratch it might be worthwhile to buy budget used gear of different types to compare, especially speakers, so you have firsthand experience rather than just blindly following a bunch of yahoos on the internet. This will clue you into your personal preferences and help with setup. Don’t skimp on room treatments though. Budget those for where you want to end up. Every system can benefit from a better room. (I’ve often thought that at some budget level designing and building a dedicated room is more economical than fighting a poor one.)

Once you think you’ve done your research start introducing endgame components into your starter system. It’s probably best to start with speakers and work backwards: amp, pre (if needed), DAC, phono stage, sources. Get appropriate cables as needed. Don’t be afraid to change your mind along the way if priorities change. You may end up with more than one system or a bunch of great gear that you mix and match based on whim or mood. You may find as much entertainment from adjusting your system as you do from listening.

Alternately, ask for recommendations for a great local shop. Tell them your budget. Audition equipment. Trust their expertise. And be done with it. 

Buy whatever sounds good to you. Can you do that? Or do you want an assortment of characters to plan for you and set a budget?

The hard part is the choices. SO MANY choices, from the very common brands to the esoteric. And this is in generally all price points. That is both good and bad in this game, good because with careful selection you can get exactly what you want. Bad because there are lots of toys to potentially play with. Read reviews, demo if you can, look at other members input to the items you want to try. Once you establish a budget hone in on the characteristics of cabling, sources, and output that appeal to you and your senses. We all hear differently to a degree, room plays a huge part in that. One guy’s perfect, amazing system is another guy’s fatiguing nightmare. If you stick to the basic, well known gear at first you will probably build a good-great system right out of the box. Just know once you step in, it’s hard to step out!

I had to learn what I didn't like before I could discover what I did like. I suppose the don't like is possible to bypass, but with so many choices, variables and advice you'll eventually end up with a system all your own. Highly doubtful anyone else on earth has the exact same system. In other words, you're going to have to do a lot of work separating the wheat from chaff. Still, lots of good advice given up to now.

agree w many of the sentiments expressed

as in most areas of passion/ significant hobbies, the journey is as important (if not moreso) as the ’end point’/current state of affairs

i always think about a parallel in the world of enjoying food... we are fortunate when able to experience variety, learn and try new things, experience new flavors, preparations... our horizons are broadened, our senses are stimulated and sharpened when we allow ourselves to experience what others have found to their liking