Well it sounds like you're heading in the right direction. I'm fairly fiscally conscious, but still full of lust for things I can't really afford. My best advice is to figure out what your budget is and work within it. Going into a high-end store and saying "I have a big bonus check" can easily get you listening to stuff you may really want but will blow your budget BIG TIME ;~)
Also see if you can't find a group in your area that brings people interested in this hobby together. It could give you a chance to see what other people have put together. Then you can peruse the classifieds here to purchase items used for far less than they'd cost you new.
This past weekend I got together with a group of 20+ like minded audio geeks at one group members home, and we all ate, had a glass of wine or beer, and enjoyed listening to the home owners rig. It exposed me to equipment I likely would never have a chance to hear without a sales pitch.
Good luck, and welcome to the addiction ;~)
Also see if you can't find a group in your area that brings people interested in this hobby together. It could give you a chance to see what other people have put together. Then you can peruse the classifieds here to purchase items used for far less than they'd cost you new.
This past weekend I got together with a group of 20+ like minded audio geeks at one group members home, and we all ate, had a glass of wine or beer, and enjoyed listening to the home owners rig. It exposed me to equipment I likely would never have a chance to hear without a sales pitch.
Good luck, and welcome to the addiction ;~)