How to Listen ??

I try NOT to *listen* and in particular I try to avoid the trap of watching the music but rather sense how I respond to the music being presented.
I judge a component and systems by their ability to move me emotionally,how well they communicate meanings, how they help me to appreciate and understand the intentions of the artist,their skill and technique as well as the way that the performers relate to one another and to the music itself.
I judge components also by their ability to suspend disbelief and dissappear.
A good system/component should effectively become *invisible*.It should not call attention to itself by reminding you that it is a device that makes *musical* sounds or produces impressive effects.
It must remind me and hopefully fool me, into believing that I am listening to living,breathing Music.
It should not behave like a sonic pinball machine or static aural sculpture .
If the component/system doesn't pass these initial tests I move on.
Only,if it can capture the essence and spirit of the performance, will I listen for the more technical aspects of why the system makes me respond, such as how it times and paces; the dynamic contrasts (both macro and micro);note shapes;the tonal, timbral, harmonic and textural features and the transparency, ease, flow and naturallness of the presentation.

Ken

Go pick up the book "The complete guide to high end audio". Awesome book that will help you learn the in's and out's of the audiophile universe.

...it'll come step by step. The best is to buy something that you won't feel negative for a certain period of time before you'll realize you need to upgrade. Meaning If you go for the very basic lo to mid-end you might very soon want to upgrade it.
First thing for me was details and clean sond(Creek 4330R)then I felt that dynamics were not as good as you would expect from fusion jazz or jazz-rock. It has guts to push the driver but doesn't have guts to stop it. Drum sounded longer than it had to sound as well as base -- totally uncontrolled.
Second thing was Bryston 3b-st Well detailed, dynamic, a great driver, but no warmth in mid-range and highs are rather harsh than detailed.
Third thing selling Bryston to get TUBES preferably with "balls".

The Chesky label makes a very useful compilation/demo disc that is useful for highlighting many of the sonic attributes of audio reproduction. I suggest you spend some time with a good dealer who can demonstrate a number of systems and point out their strenghts and weaknesses.