Suggestions for first hifi system

Set a budget and try a few at that price point. Look here and see what is selling, and how is priced in relation to new. Buy used and try them if not you can usually re-coup most of your investment. Also try the usedcable.com lending library. For the cost of shipping you can try 3-4 cables in your system. That's how I landed on my choice.

Again it depends on your budget,but best buy for the buck and they make one model is SoundStringCable. www.justsounds.net. they are going to quote list.I discount.give me an e-mail you will not regret it.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. These are all interesting options. Earlier I was thinking on the lines of Cardas/Wireworld/Kimber. While I am at it, any suggestions for a rack under $500 ? I was suggested Salamander by a good friend.

I got a 4 shelf Sanus rack for $150. Sturdy, 9" of vertical space between shelves, easy to assemble, does what I need it to do. This is the same rack sold by Audio Advisor.

the vti is a great rack.
http://www.racksandstands.com/prods/VTI/BL404/All/0C1/0PVI1001.htm