My suggestion to young audiophiles is to educated yourself on all of the least exciting aspects of sound reproduction before even reading some savory review. Ask "why?". Once you understand how each component in your system works, then start listening. Listen to fundamentally different audio designs (not just different brand names), and be critical of both what you're hearing and of yourself. How do speakers in boxes sound different than open baffle or electrostatic designs? How does the introduction of tubes affect the sound? Once you've decided what kind of sound you like, start searching for the best made equipment in your price range. If the brand name doesn't come with a leap in sound quality make sure you are comfortable with paying for a label.
From a subjective standpoint, I can't understand why any young audiophile would bother in vinyl or cds when computer audio is the cutting edge. Don't waste your time with old technology. Sound reproduction has advanced with time, its evolution did not stop in 1965. Don't get caught up in buying trends on forums like these, they are usually a result of ignorance rather than anything substantial. Build what you can on your own, you'll appreciate the end result more and you'll understand even better how the component works and why. Buy used! Guys around here flip components like flap jacks...take advantage of that, but don't become one of the same. Look to the horizon, what kind of system can you put together that will last decades rather than bore you in a couple of months?
At that point, you will be an educated, aware consumer and one who is happy listening to music all day rather than buying gear.
