I would suggest to anyone starting to decide what you would be willing to compromise. If you're not willing to sacrifice bass, then chances are you will be going down the SS/big speaker road and the first choice will be speakers.
If you prefer midrange warmth, then you should listen to SET, OTL and tube designs where speakers are plentiful but must be compatable.
Either way, research and patience is the key. Trust your ears over opinions and marketing hype. Bother every sales rep you can find and travel to other cities when opportunity presents. Don't buy that first thing that impresses you until you hear others at double or half the price. Budget is less important than satisfaction because if you're not satisfied, you wasted money.
Unfortunately, knowing or just wondering that there is something better out there will tempt and taunt you without mercy. Every choice is a compromise.
If you prefer midrange warmth, then you should listen to SET, OTL and tube designs where speakers are plentiful but must be compatable.
Either way, research and patience is the key. Trust your ears over opinions and marketing hype. Bother every sales rep you can find and travel to other cities when opportunity presents. Don't buy that first thing that impresses you until you hear others at double or half the price. Budget is less important than satisfaction because if you're not satisfied, you wasted money.
Unfortunately, knowing or just wondering that there is something better out there will tempt and taunt you without mercy. Every choice is a compromise.