Viridian, Harshly stated but on point I think. :-)
Abp, Were I in your place I would focus all my attention on getting a full range speaker I had listened to and could build my system around. Speakers first, amp second, sources/pre amp, and lastly everything else, especially tweaks that result in only minor differences. Cables both IC's and speaker cables should come dead last. You can get by on some excellent and inexpense ones til you are really flush. If you have done your work in component selection in the first place you won't need the high-priced frequency response benders, and IMHO that is all most of them are.
But, by all means, get out and start listening to systems in others homes or in B&M stores and see what is possible. Even if you have to put down that book for a while. I think you will be shocked! You might even find an audio friend in your area willing to help if you were to ask.
Good luck.......
Abp, Were I in your place I would focus all my attention on getting a full range speaker I had listened to and could build my system around. Speakers first, amp second, sources/pre amp, and lastly everything else, especially tweaks that result in only minor differences. Cables both IC's and speaker cables should come dead last. You can get by on some excellent and inexpense ones til you are really flush. If you have done your work in component selection in the first place you won't need the high-priced frequency response benders, and IMHO that is all most of them are.
But, by all means, get out and start listening to systems in others homes or in B&M stores and see what is possible. Even if you have to put down that book for a while. I think you will be shocked! You might even find an audio friend in your area willing to help if you were to ask.
Good luck.......