As you stated living in a rural area will make it difficult for you to visit dealers so you can listen to a wide variety of equipment. However, with what you are budgeting you could easily buy various pieces of gear here on Audiogon and try them in your own home, which is preferable. Just be sure to pick up items that have good resale value. You can put together a great system buying used with your budget.
However, I will recommend you take the 2 - 3 hour drive to visit Deja Vu Audio in McLean, VA. Vu carries a lot of nice gear and is a great source of information. I bought my first true high end system from him.
BTW - you never did mention anything about your listening room. The room may actually influence the type of equipment you should buy, especially speakers.
However, I will recommend you take the 2 - 3 hour drive to visit Deja Vu Audio in McLean, VA. Vu carries a lot of nice gear and is a great source of information. I bought my first true high end system from him.
BTW - you never did mention anything about your listening room. The room may actually influence the type of equipment you should buy, especially speakers.