Entry into HiFi

I would echo several of your posters above. Get the speakers first - preferably HE (high efficient) models. This will allow you to venture into the SET (Single ended triode) amp camp. SET's (45, 2A3, 300B) and HE speakers are a wonderfully musical combination that have stood the test of time.

I just helped a friend design and setup a Deware Zen and Omaga speakers. What a sound! Defiantely world class performance at a fraction of the price.

Exciting, isn't it! You have to get the speaker/room thing right. Oh heck! You have to get everything right - and it's hard; that's why we're all here. I would recommend hitting the pre-owned racks at some local dealers and home audition speaker/integrated amp combos.

Thank you all for the info, it insanely confusing, but I'm slowly getting a grasp.

So I think I start at speakers and from what I've read,and high efficiencies. Being in a new house and a bachelor, I've decided to dedicate my living room to a sectional, some art I've collected, and the HiFi. Essentially it is a 10x12 room will three walls, the back being open. Thats the setup, I would love standing speakers, but realize the quality of bookshelf at my prince range is much more tempting. And its hard wood, but with a carpet that takes up most the room - I would imagine that will have impact. Suggestions?

To answer some others - current speakers are an old pair of cerwin vegas, and the receiver is a non impressive pioneer w/ built in phono preamp. The stingray is beautiful - wow. As is the zen, I just love the look of tube amps. Gets me even more excited. Can't wait to choose speakers and find the perfect amp.

Thank you again guys and gals!

Which wall will the speakers be on and where will the open wall be relative to their placement? How loud do you like your music. Does your classic rock have to ROCK?