Just finished piecing together my first 2 channel system and was super aggressive with negotiating prices for used things and getting a good deal.
Pair B&W CM9 S2 - $600 (some scratches in cabinets but drivers and are pristine and sound quality is unaffected - was bound to happen anyway with toddlers in the house. Yesterday I came home to paw patrol stickers covering the “booboos” on the cabinets)
McIntosh 2205 - $1,500 (in mint condition from original owner, stored in original box for last 20 years, an incredible find!)
2 X 15ft. 12 AWG Sewell cables off Amazon - $58
Currently just using iPad Pro 1/4” headphone jack into phono input on the amp. In all, I cannot believe how powerful and clear this combo is. After finding these deals it’s going to feel like massively diminishing returns if I ever buy high-end new equipment. I’m sure I will someday, but not until I’m settled in a forever house and kids are further along!