Have to take issue w jdmobrow's
Get out to some decent stores and listen to some systems to get an idea of the type of sound you like....Look for good deals on used gear.If you buy used at 'net prices you can invest your time to read reviews and literature (intellectual equity if you will), make a decision, try it out and resell at little/no loss if you don't like it. Or you can go to a dealer, pay his mark-up and benefit from his expertise and overhead. Many will let you try things at home overnight w a credit card swipe. But remember that he has made an investment in time, equipment, rent, etc which deserves to be re-paid. If you don't like the stuff, then fine, move on. But if you don't have a realistic intention of buying from a dealer it is dishonest and basically theft of intellectual property to learn from/audition at a dealer and then buy used from the 'net. Just an audio consumer here, not a dealer or industry person, but please, be honest. And not to quibble w Ojgalli, but as a musician, you must realize that aside from obvious equipment mismatches, there are precious few facts in appreciation of music. Lots of opinions, but I'm sure you all know what opinions are like...;~)