Question: What are some of your best pieces of advise to someone new to the hobby?

MMCGill,

(1) Decide what type of system they want: separate components (easy to upgrade), integrated amplifier and speakers (simpler but more expensive to upgrade), or even all in one speaker systems (Buchardt Audio A10, Dutch and Dutch 8C, KEF LS X, 50 & 60, Sonus Faber Duetoo, etc.) Once I'm done with my main system next year some time, I'll add a second system.....and it'll probably be a Dutch & Dutch 8C or Buchardt A10, as to what is currently available.

(2) Get to know GIK Acoustics. They have excellent room treatments, many of which are not just functional, but also attractive. They also have some software recommendations to help with designing the room treatments, and are all to helpful and freely give advice

(3) Cables matter, but no need to go crazy unless your system is extremely resolving. Morrow Audio, DHLabs, Supra Cables, Lavri Cables, Cullen Cables, Zavfino, AntiCables, all make great cables at affordable prices.....and are great for all but high end systems

(4) Buy ONLY what you can afford, really really good systems can be had without breaking the bank

(5) Audition, audition, audition. Borrow units from dealers and friends, or take advantage of test drives, even "direct only" manufacturers have generous test periods and/or small restocking fees.

(6) Unless you have a stack of LPs or CDs sitting around, just start and stay with streaming. Streaming has come a long way over the last 10 years, and provides highly satisfying SQ. Tips: dedicated streamer and NOT PC based, wire directly to ethernet if possible, quality matters...Wiim Pro, Eversolo DMP-A6, and BlueSound can be excellent though Aurender/Lumin/Innuous do deliver noticeable sound improvements

(7) Have fun, this is a great part of our hobby; it should be a fun time

I pretty much agree with @secretguy ; "Pay no attention to forums like this."

But I’ll still throw in my two cents, don’t get hung up on finding the best equipment at a specific price point. Audition equipment before you buy. I know that in some parts, there are not a lot of choices, or places to see and hear components. Driving hundreds of miles or flying to destinations (I have an acquaintance who actually flies across the country) is something that you have to decide. I live in a large metropolitan area and have access to a lot of gear but even here, there’s quite a bit of stuff not available and I’m fine with that. If it isn’t easy to audition and repair I’m okay with that. The idea that some other component might be better than the one I just purchased, and getting worked into a frenzy( I know someone like that, afraid to make a decision)) over it is simply a waste of time and takes away the original reason for owning an audio system is to enjoy music. At least that’s what I think. If I tell someone here what I own and they tell me why I did not get some other product they think is better, well I just don’t care. You don’t need books or advice from the person who thinks he’s the "Dali Lama" of audio.

So listen, don’t be afraid to like what you like and not what someone else told you to like. Keep it simple.

I'm with @fuzztone: Speaker placement is #1. Home auditions #2. 

Trust your ears, be able to walk away from any deal and dealer!  Go for the sound you want!  There are a lot of blow hards in this hobby-  listen, and trust your ears!

Stop visiting sites like this, do your own research and enjoy your music!