Want to setup basic home audio system

This may be the single most positive thread I've read on this forum since I became addicted to it ten months ago! 

Fun to think about. My guess is that I'm not alone out here in having haunted stereo stores since I was a teenager. It's free to look and listen and you can get a good sense of what's reasonable to expect at that budget. Putting together your own system with used equipment online is a great way to enjoy this "hobby," and a great way to save money, but you really have to know what you're doing, both in terms of the gear and the risks of online purchases. It looks like you have a few options for Seattle stores that sell some nice stuff. A good hi-end store should be able to put together a well integrated beginner system, and if they know what they're doing they'll treat you well ... and you'll end up back there, upgrading and upgrading!