"Sean34":
For a $5K audio system using only used equipment and all, here is what my $5K system would look like.
Speaker System: Vandersteen 2Ce -- About $1,000.00 (or less...... used).
Power Amplifier: McCormack "Power-Drive" DNA-0.5 -- About $800 (for Original Version) to $1,200.00 (for Special Edition)(used).
Preamplifer: McCormack TLC-1 Line Stage -- About $750.00 (used).
Compact Disc Player: Sony SCD-777ES -- About $1,500.00 (used).
Cables: MITerminator 2 Interconnects and Bi-Wired Speaker Cable -- About $285.00 (used).
For a total of just a little over $4,700.00, you'll have a system that rocks right with the best of them, and at a fraction of the cost. With almost $300.00 left (after going with the more expensive option), you can still opt for stands for brand new stands for the Vandersteens and still have some money left over to buy some music with it.
Regards and Happy Listening (but good luck shopping, though)!!!!!!
--Charles--