Davejms,
If you have yet to buy your first equipment, I'd second some of the recommendations above and urge you to spend time in the local dealers' listening rooms. You'll learn what sounds good to you, how to describe what you want to others, what brands are available and what they sound like.
I'd also suggest that you start off modestly. The internet has made the upgrade path easy with all the buyers and sellers that are able to find each other. It would be a shame if you were to spend a bunch right away on gear that doesn't meet your needs. You might be incluned to call the rest of us fools and leave the hobby. :-)
If you have yet to buy your first equipment, I'd second some of the recommendations above and urge you to spend time in the local dealers' listening rooms. You'll learn what sounds good to you, how to describe what you want to others, what brands are available and what they sound like.
I'd also suggest that you start off modestly. The internet has made the upgrade path easy with all the buyers and sellers that are able to find each other. It would be a shame if you were to spend a bunch right away on gear that doesn't meet your needs. You might be incluned to call the rest of us fools and leave the hobby. :-)