I agree completely with all of the posts above. However, I will say that my botched purchases have taught me almost as much about audio as my good ones--at a price of course.
My two cents: I would have taken more time to make sure any components, cables, etc. purchased work well together--just because something is expensive and highly rated doesn't necessarily mean it will match with another piece of gear. And I wouldn't assume that what some expert (anyone) is telling me is correct--I would try for myself. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the most important part--when I do screw up--to smile about it, and chalk it up to experience $$!!
My two cents: I would have taken more time to make sure any components, cables, etc. purchased work well together--just because something is expensive and highly rated doesn't necessarily mean it will match with another piece of gear. And I wouldn't assume that what some expert (anyone) is telling me is correct--I would try for myself. Oh yeah, I almost forgot the most important part--when I do screw up--to smile about it, and chalk it up to experience $$!!