advice needed on 1st real stereo system

More power is generally better at all volume levels. Wattage ratings can give some indication of an amplifier's capability, but an amplifier capable of higher current levels will help to eliminate distortion when the amplifier needs to reproduce sudden bursts of power. Speaker efficiency, room volume, decibel level, and other factors determine just how much power is enough.

Expensive speaker cables DO make a difference (mostly in your bank account!). There are, however, some excellent cable designs that are worth the higher price. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on cables to get good performance, though.

Know your total budget, know your room, begin with speakers.

make sure you love your speakers first and that they will work in your room second and that the amplifier will work with them third

I like the idea of an easy to drive speaker (like Zu or Audio Note) so you can save on amplifier cost in the long run

I recommend finding some lesser costing cables that still sound good, the expensive cable obsession is one of diminishing returns

My first good stereo was a KLH Model 20...I only mention this because it makes me happy to think about it. Note that a tubed integrated can be had relatively cheaply and they're fun to look at (Jolida, Primaluna), and great sounding cables can be found used for a huge discount over new stuff and are often in great shape. I bet that new hybrid Rogue integrated amp (tubes and a class D) sounds great and it seems inexpensive.

thanks everyone for the insights - very helpful for a 1st timer.

I am looking to spend <3k. I am planning to use as a 2 channel to cover all my audio needs, including digital music on my mac, TV, and perhaps a record player later on. Hopefully an "all things to all people" kind of system. Hence the peachtree was recommended.

I was pretty impressed w/ the totem rainmakers without subwoof. However, my guess is that $300 cables aren't that important.

The biggest question for me is how much better sound do i get from Decco (65 watts / channel) vs. Nova (125 watts/channel). Unfortunately could not demo the Decco at the store...

Any thoughts?

Thanks again for all the help.