I second the welcome. Yes it is a bit of a challenge starting from nothing, as you need a minimum of kit to audition anything new. As you can't do this, I would suggest buying second hand, though it may be slower getting that minimum together. That malkes mistakes less costly and easier to rectify. I would also not go for stopgap purchases to get you started, also expensive.
I suppose you need a starting blueprint, integrated, pre/power, tubes/SS, CD player/streamer/vinyl, though the latter will be determined by what music you have already. For example, I found out quite quickly, getting back into HiFi after the long children years, that Solid state was not for me. It sounds like you are hapy with solid state. That being the case, I do'nt think you can go wrong with Ayre or Hegel, both have an excellent reputation.
Speakers will be dependent on the output of the amp, there are so many great speakers around, it rather depends on your budget. I went from acoustic Zen Adagios to Daedalus, both are truly excellent, the Daedalus in a class of their own and they look great too. You won't find them second hand, you will with the Adagios, which are a cheaper option.
Sorry if this is unsultingly basic, but budget for wires, power conditioning and supports too. I have never managed this, but it is said to be better to stick to one cable manufacturer throughout, giving a better bang for your buck. Best of luck.
I suppose you need a starting blueprint, integrated, pre/power, tubes/SS, CD player/streamer/vinyl, though the latter will be determined by what music you have already. For example, I found out quite quickly, getting back into HiFi after the long children years, that Solid state was not for me. It sounds like you are hapy with solid state. That being the case, I do'nt think you can go wrong with Ayre or Hegel, both have an excellent reputation.
Speakers will be dependent on the output of the amp, there are so many great speakers around, it rather depends on your budget. I went from acoustic Zen Adagios to Daedalus, both are truly excellent, the Daedalus in a class of their own and they look great too. You won't find them second hand, you will with the Adagios, which are a cheaper option.
Sorry if this is unsultingly basic, but budget for wires, power conditioning and supports too. I have never managed this, but it is said to be better to stick to one cable manufacturer throughout, giving a better bang for your buck. Best of luck.