How do I start?

I'd say speakers are as good a place as any to start. Be forwarned, once you make your first purchase there can be no turnig back. Ha ha ha ......ha ha ha ha ha....... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.......etc... :^)

Listen.
Even though this site is dedicated to selling stuff to each other, you can't invalidate the advice of knowledgeable professionals in audio retailers. Talk to them, listen to what products they have to offer, and begin to learn what type of sound you prefer. The more you know about your own listening preferences the easier it will be to narrow your choices of equipment. There are lots of brands to choose from, here are a few to help you start...Rotel, NAD, Parasound, Vandersteen, Paradigm. Most importantly make sure you enloy yourself, if this experience becomes a chore, step back and reevaluate.

One piece a year for speakers, power/control and cables? Ouch! Buy a chance to hear some music today. $1500 can get you a decent used starter system. You can upgrade from there. I think Glen is right on. I would start with your room and where the speakers will be placed and where the listening position will be. These interaction are IMHO the most important for a sucessfull system. It will also narrow the field to a workable size. Perhaps you can give us details as to your listneing room, types of music you prefer and the volume you hope to achieve. We might be able to provide you will some options that are specific to your needs. Good luck.