Setting up an audio system

Two options: Take piles of time auditioning various things and make well thought out decisions regarding the compatibility of the components and how they will work with your music preferences, room size, refined esthetic sense, flannel shirt collection, and personal hygiene schedule...or buy decent stuff and start having fun. By the way, regardless of which option you choose, if you become trapped in the life if the Audiophiliac you're gonna change all of it anyway.

The "old vinyl" deal is something I can relate to. I've kept a pile of LPs dating back to the 60s and bought a "Spin Clean" to clean the damn things after putting together a new phono rig. I've noted this before but it's still worth mentioning (or beating to death): The only thing you can play LPs on is a turntable, and my old LPs that I thought were trashed by crappy turntables and greasy fingers years ago can really sound amazing after cleaning (and replacing the sleeves with MOFIs). If you ignore your LPs, all the music on them will remain unheard...sadly. There are some new tables that sound and look great for small money, plenty of used gear, and you can bring your LPs to life in a big way.

Mesch...any issue regarding paying too much attention to what you put in your CD tray is obviated by a simple solution: Only put CDs in the tray. Also never underestimate the value of proper clothing while listening to music...my butler dresses me appropriately...Tux for opera, smoking jacket for classical, beret for jazz...I understand not flossing when listening as the little food bits can fly out and lodge in the tube sockets and vinyl grooves, but can be collected later and used as meat loaf filler.

Break into neighbors homes and give their systems a listen, as this is less annoying to intrepid audio salesmen.