ISO advice for completing first hi-fi system


Hello! I'm new to this forum and I need some advice for completing my first hi-fi system, primarily amp advice...test driving locally isn't an option so I have to rely on reviews and opinions. I’ll be listening to vinyl and some lossless digital music on my computer...a variety of stuff like the White Stripes, Amy Winehouse, Elliott Smith, Joy Division, Siouxsie & the Banshees, and some hip-hop and old delta blues. Anyway, this is what I’ve got so far:

Pro-Ject Carbon Debut Esprit turntable (with a 2M red cartridge, acrylic platform and speed control) http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=debutcarbonespritdc&cat=turntables&lang=en $600 (I live in a Victorian apartment with wood floors and I’m putting everything on a record cabinet instead of an audio rack so I have limited space. The turntable has anti-vibration feet but do I need better feet and/or an isolation platform?)

Monitor Audio’s new Silver 2 speakers http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/products/silver/silver-2/#/specification ($1150) on Atacama Nexus 6i stands with black gold fill and Herbie’s sticky big fat dots and cone/spike decoupling gliders $475

I want a good looking black integrated tube amp with exposed tubes and 40+ watts (recommended for my speakers). I'm leaning towards the new Cayin CS-55A http://www.brookfieldaudio.com.au/shop/cayin-cs-55a-integrated-amplifier/ ($1900) that has a built-in phono stage, 32-bit DAC, and headphone output. It won the “best amplifier 2000Euro and over” award in Germany but I haven’t found any reviews on how it sounds so I’m a little leery, but it would save on space and I don’t plan on upgrading this system (ever?) so buying a separate phono stage and DAC isn’t necessary. I'm also drawn to the Mystere ia11 (yay autio bias) http://www.upscaleaudio.com/mystere-ia11-integrated-amplifier/ ($2000) but it's pentode instead of ultralinear so it has less of the classic tube sound that I love but maybe it's more suitable for my musical tastes? Some reviews say that speaker matching for this amp is extra critical and I really don't have a good enough grasp on that subject. I'm open to other suggestions of course. I don't have a set budget but I want the price to make sense in regards to my other equipment.

I also need decent speaker and IC cables. I’ve done some research and I do believe they affect the sound somewhat but I don’t think I have to spend much to get good results. I can probably figure this out on my own but ANY product advice you can give me would be so appreciated!

Faith (Yes there ARE female audiophiles)
ghost-pepper
Ghost-Pepper,

If you can afford it...and you feel sure (you certainly seem sure)...go for it. Given how strongly you seem to like it, sounds like a winner you will enjoy. Good luck.
Agree with Lloyd. If funds allow and you are certain, go for it. Better to do things as optimal as possible initially as funds allow. Never hurts to go for a second audition in a few more days just to make sure that initial euphoria lasts!
Faith - I hate to push you toward a larger expenditure but I know from experience that you would regret not buying the Cary now that you are convinced of its superiority. Unless it represents an irresponsible outlay, damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead. The Rogue would be nothing more than a detour now that you've found your direction.

Welcome to the disease. Henceforth, you are one of us out of necessity. No one else will understand you.
There's a used black Cary for sale in the classifieds (no affiliation). Best of luck and welcome to the craziness.
Ha! You’re So right. I don’t do anything half-assed so I took the plunge and bought the Cary Signature with HexFreds and KT120s in black gloss to match my turntable…the price of the paint is stupid ridiculous but now that I’m spending a gazillion dollars (relatively speaking) on my setup, what the hell. My audio guy said I also might want to upgrade to Cardas Caps and move the oil filled Audio 1 Caps to the back. Any opinions on that?

I don’t know if I should thank you all for talking me out of the much cheaper Cayin and sending me further down the rabbit hole but I like nice things and I am super happy so THANK YOU.