$ spent on speakers will have the greatest effect on how your system sounds. I'd invest in the best speakers I could afford. If your budget is, say, 2k, (and that's an enormous amount to spend, I realize, for most folks) I'd put at least 1200 into 2nd hand speakers, and then find a good, well-built, ss amp to drive them: $400-600 on a 2k budget. 2nd hand is okay here too, but keep in mind that capacitors will have about a 20 to 30-year lifespan. Once you get up to a certain price point on a cd-player, it's diminishing returns, so I'd get something that's reliable and solid with the rest of your cash.
how much would you say a good set up cost
ok, we all have gear, but now days, what price do you think you have to spend to have a real good system. not over kill, just good equipment, good sound stage. all around mid to mid high. I'm saying at least 30-35 thousand gets you in that level. I was talking the other day with some friends and we never put a price on our gear. you always get this piece now then that later. but have you ever sat down and figured out just what you paid for your system. I was shocked when i did it.