ISO advice for completing first hi-fi system


Hello! I'm new to this forum and I need some advice for completing my first hi-fi system, primarily amp advice...test driving locally isn't an option so I have to rely on reviews and opinions. I’ll be listening to vinyl and some lossless digital music on my computer...a variety of stuff like the White Stripes, Amy Winehouse, Elliott Smith, Joy Division, Siouxsie & the Banshees, and some hip-hop and old delta blues. Anyway, this is what I’ve got so far:

Pro-Ject Carbon Debut Esprit turntable (with a 2M red cartridge, acrylic platform and speed control) http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=debutcarbonespritdc&cat=turntables&lang=en $600 (I live in a Victorian apartment with wood floors and I’m putting everything on a record cabinet instead of an audio rack so I have limited space. The turntable has anti-vibration feet but do I need better feet and/or an isolation platform?)

Monitor Audio’s new Silver 2 speakers http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/products/silver/silver-2/#/specification ($1150) on Atacama Nexus 6i stands with black gold fill and Herbie’s sticky big fat dots and cone/spike decoupling gliders $475

I want a good looking black integrated tube amp with exposed tubes and 40+ watts (recommended for my speakers). I'm leaning towards the new Cayin CS-55A http://www.brookfieldaudio.com.au/shop/cayin-cs-55a-integrated-amplifier/ ($1900) that has a built-in phono stage, 32-bit DAC, and headphone output. It won the “best amplifier 2000Euro and over” award in Germany but I haven’t found any reviews on how it sounds so I’m a little leery, but it would save on space and I don’t plan on upgrading this system (ever?) so buying a separate phono stage and DAC isn’t necessary. I'm also drawn to the Mystere ia11 (yay autio bias) http://www.upscaleaudio.com/mystere-ia11-integrated-amplifier/ ($2000) but it's pentode instead of ultralinear so it has less of the classic tube sound that I love but maybe it's more suitable for my musical tastes? Some reviews say that speaker matching for this amp is extra critical and I really don't have a good enough grasp on that subject. I'm open to other suggestions of course. I don't have a set budget but I want the price to make sense in regards to my other equipment.

I also need decent speaker and IC cables. I’ve done some research and I do believe they affect the sound somewhat but I don’t think I have to spend much to get good results. I can probably figure this out on my own but ANY product advice you can give me would be so appreciated!

Faith (Yes there ARE female audiophiles)
ghost-pepper
This dealer knows you are a serious buyer. You have had discussions with him regarding turntables and amps. The best thing for you as a consumer is to audition components in your own room with your own gear. This way you will know exactly what things will sound like in your room, prior to a commitment to purchase. Also you are putting your speakers at risk for damage or scratches/scuffs by moving them around. This should be the dealer's risk if he wants to make a sale. Amps are easier to move then speakers and the dealer probably has a demo model that he can loan you for audition. This dealer has an amp and turntable sale on the line here. He should come to you, not you to him regarding auditions!

Good luck and hope you enjoy your journey into this hobby!
I don't know how I confused stores, but I talked to the owner of Audio Connection, not Definitive Audio, and it's a FANTASTIC little shop. Anyway! I tried out the Rogue and I really liked it and the owner told me I'd be happy with it but I was so drawn to the Cary SLI 80 that I asked to try it and I fell in love. It's the one that made me feel like the band was in the room with me. I think I'm going to spend A LOT more than I intended and get that and the RP6 turntable....it's only a couple hundred more than an RP3 with the upgrades I want so it makes sense. But the Cary is A LOT more $ than the Rogue. Am I crazy?
Ghost-Pepper,

If you can afford it...and you feel sure (you certainly seem sure)...go for it. Given how strongly you seem to like it, sounds like a winner you will enjoy. Good luck.