[Pirate]

If you had to start all over again , How would you do it?  What mistakes did you make that you would want others to be aware of?    Which should come first the Chicken or the egg (speakers or amps or pre or ?)  

[Tyson]

I would spend a lot more time listening to other people's systems, so I could hone in on the type of sound that I liked sooner, and tailor my system around those criteria up front.

[gonefishin]

I would stick with a nice two channel system for music.

[warnerwh]

Geez: that's really a loaded question.  One mistake I made for a long time is using less than good enough electronics.  In other words I've tended to put more into the speaker ratio part of the equation than the electronics.  This though is the best way to err in my opinion if you are going to.  I would always pick the speakers I like first because knowing their characteristics first would make it easier to pick upstream gear.  Another good one is to read reviews with a large grain of salt no matter who wrote them. Your own ears are the only important ones on the planet, unless you're married:) I'm looking forward to hearing arguements going the other way where people prefer to pick electronics first.

[shokunin]

If you had to start all over again , How would you do it?

I'd buy a bigger home and get a dedicated theater/listening room and properly acoustically treat the room.  Trying to cram a stereo into an existing living space has a lot of compromises (acoustically, placement, WAF issues)

As for components, you learn a lot by experimenting and trying different equipment.  It'd be great if the system I have now was my first system, but I've learned and changed a lot along the way.

[The Killer Piglet]

As for components, you learn a lot by experimenting and trying different equipment.  It'd be great if the system I have now was my first system, but I've learned and changed a lot along the way.

Agreed.
I don't see anything as a mistake, as it's all part of a learning experience.
Learning is half the fun. That's what makes this a hobby. Otherwise we'd just have a list of "recommended systems" and pick one from the list. I look forward to many more twists and turns (U or otherwise).

KP

[JohnR]

Which should come first the Chicken or the egg

Just make a chicken omelette!

I'd second Tyson's suggestion. I'd also add, that buying components at random based on reviews is soul-destroying and expensive. Ideally, I would say:

1. Find a system or systems that you *like*.
2. Buy one of those that costs significantly less than what you think you can afford. Now you have a system that you like and can listen to even if you change nothing.
3. Listen to it.
4. Buy some room treatment.
5. "Upgrade" a couple of components if you feel like it.

HTH

[tbabb]

Got some time?   Want to understand all the real in an outs of component matching??    Room acoustics?    I heartily recommend this book...

The Complete Guide to High-End Audio.  

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0964084945/qid=1062824847/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-3429265-6171943?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Do not judge this book by it's ridiculous cover.  It is very well written and researched.   Probably the best $20 I ever spent.
Well there was this one time...  Oh, never mind...

Good luck.

If you had to start all over again , How would you do it?  What mistakes did you make that you would want others to be aware of?    Which should come first the Chicken or the egg (speakers or amps or pre or ?)  

[warnerwh]

I'll second the Complete book of High end Audio. The point though that it's about experience and learning above though is right on the mark.  I know where you can get one of those books for 15 bucks shipped to you. I've read mine enough.  Moderators, if the above about the book shouldn't be here please feel free to delete it. Thanks

[Pirate]

The Complete Guide to High-End Audio

This does look like a really good book!  The link also has sample pages that shows the contents inside.

 

I would always pick the speakers I like first because knowing their characteristics first would make it easier to pick upstream gear.

I would think this could leave you endlessly trying to match components to make your speakers sound good .

[Psychicanimal]

I would have a really decent power filter (BPT, DeZorel), great multi-format player, a great integrated  amp and a pair of M-T-M speakers.  No subs, no outboard transformers, phono stage, DAC, multiple amps, electronic crossover...

I would keep things real simple.

But then again, I already started--there's no coming back!

[tbabb]

Between all the components that make up a stereo system, the Speakers and amplification are the first place you should start.  Not all amps and speaker combos work well together.  
After you have an amp and speakers you like, source components won't change the synergy between the amplification and the speakers.

Listen to a few different types of speakers, and setups.  If you like Magnapans, you will need a hefty amp to drive them, they like power to sound right.  If you audition and like tubes and want to go that route, you might explore more efficient speakers that require less watts to sound good.  

Your listening habits, what kind of music you play and how loud you like to play it, how big of a room you have and your budget will all be deciding factors.  

That book will help you to determine where to put the dollars.

Good luck in your quest.

tb

The Complete Guide to High-End Audio

This does look like a really good book!  The link also has sample pages that shows the contents inside.

 

I would always pick the speakers I like first because knowing their characteristics first would make it easier to pick upstream gear.

I would think this could leave you endlessly trying to match components to make your speakers sound good .

[witchdoctor]

Tbabb,
You are 100% correct. Amp/speaker match is critical. I bought active speakers to have the PERFECT match. I would say the first purchase you should make is the PLC and PC. Your equipment will play up yo it's potential and you will save $$$ on needless upgrades.
Todd

[warnerwh]

"I would think this could leave you endlessly trying to match components to make your speakers sound good "

Not if they already sound good when you'd heard them before.  If they don't then you know it isn't the speaker.