starting out....wicked budget

Please specify the precise model #s for your speakers (do you like their sound), amp and cd player. You seem most unhappy with the cd player, if so I 'd change that first but no need to go overboard: evolving technology and moving parts mean you'd have to buy another one in a few years anyway. Speakers and amp on the other hand, once you get good ones, are keepers for decades.

Don' feel bad about your budget. Many of us had abudget of 500 for the entire system when we started. Save money and change one component at a time, don't go overboard on anything. Don't waste money on expensive wires, Radio Shack wires are all you need.

Where do you live? Do you have any good audio stores near you?

Assuming you have a newer computer that will run iTunes:
Airport Express with connection kit $170
panasonic sa xr 25 digital receiver $180
Lacie or other external hard drive $150
J and R has all of the above.

I'm running a similar set up with Apple lossless files through a sharp digital receiver. The sound is exceptional (better than my Rega Planet 2k as a transport) plus you can listen to Internet radio.

thanks fellas. they are rts-3's. the amp is a yamaha, late 70's. eastein, i like your idea. i do like the sound of my system, i chose it carefully, but am wondering what i am missing,IF ANYTHING,(the magic?), and where to start in order to find out if i am missing anything at all really. thanks again.

Got it. Your amp is fine. Buy a new cd player now, one that feels good to you and fits in your boudget. Save money for better speakers. When upgrading buy new cd player but used/demo speakers and used/demo amps. I can't comment on the iTunes solution because I have no experience with it, but get a few opinions before spending money.