New or used???

Wow ... I didn't expect my question to cast us into a moral quandary. However, all this mention of surreptitious slithering and other sibilant descriptors does get me really interested in delving into the dark side of audiophilia :)

On a more serious note, thanks to everyone for responding. This is the first true high-end system I'm purchasing for myself (I'm still using the old Bose 550 receiver I bought more than 20 years ago with my paper route money - it may not be high-end, but it's served me well for a long time), and it's a bit intimidating when there are so many choices and a huge spectrum of prices.

Thanks, Tiger for the formula, and Bongofury and Phaelon for the additional suggestions. I'll see if I can find those brands locally (I'm in Denver) to listen to them.

I apologize for seeming to mislead everyone. My budget for a system is around $10K, and the Bose definitely won't be a part of the system. I was thinking either separate amp and preamp or going with an integrated (I've heard both the Macintosh MA6900 and the Musical Fidelity A1008, and both were great), but any input is much appreciated. I did also hear the Grand Pianos and, although they were impressive, the Cremonas were clearly a big step up.

Thanks Bongofury, T_bone, Phaelon and Goatwuss. A friend of mine who has more experience "shopping" for high-end has actually been showing me the ropes, so your advice has already been well-heeded, Phaelon (but great advice, nonetheless). As for listening tastes, I have quite a range, from afrobeat (Fela Kuti is god) and krautrock (Can, Neu, etc.) to jazz (lots of In a Silent Way period Miles, early Bill Evans, Tito Puente/Eddie Palmeri) and hip hop (prefer old school) to reggae (Burning Spear, Lee Scratch Perry) and all varieties of soul/funk and rock ... and, yes T_bone, even a bit of electronica/house music.

Thus far, I've spent vastly more energy (and $$$) putting together my music collection (my fiancee and I own more than 5K CDs ... her music is mostly world music), so I decided it was time I really "listen" to my collection. Anyways, I'm babbling, but I truly love music, so I'm open to any suggestions you all may have as to fitting equipment for someone with my schitzophrenic tastes.