Help in setting up my first sound system

I think your best bet is to get a good book on the subject. UHF Magazine has two, and then there's Robert Harley's guide.

UHF books

Robt. Harley's Guide

Start with your room size and dimensions and how you plan to use your stereo.

How much room do you have to play with in the listening room? Some speakers sound fine at about 18 inches from the wall behind them. Some need 3 feet or more. Some need 5 feet to the sides. Some don't.

What kinds of music do you favor? How loud? The solution that favors small group jazz and acoustic folk would be different than the one for heavy metal or the one for bombastic orchestral music. If you want one system that handles all equally well, be prepared to spend more money.

How do you plan to use the system? Will you primarily sit and listen in a sweet spot? Will others be listening with you? Will you have the stereo on while you wash dishes and kids and dogs run in and out of the listening room?

Do you want speakers with a wide, space-filling dispersion, or something that presents a tightly focused image if you sit *right there*?

What's most important in music reproduction--speed and clarity, frequency extension, warmth and an organic sensation, transparency, evenness of tone?

Will you be using the system with TV or home theater? Surround sound? Audio only/stereo only?

Answers to these will help narrow down your search.

The answers given above are good advice indeed. But, be honest with the type of listening you will be doing. I spent a huge amount of money on a dedicated room, high dollar system, room treatments, and was rewarded with a great listening experience. I now listen to that system about 10% of the time. In my pool (table) room I have a less expensive system that is in use the vast majority of the time. I have friends over, we eat, drink and party rather than sit in the sweet spot. If you are honestly going to be doing a great deal of critical listening, then by all means do your homework. If you will be wandering around your home with music playing in the background, just buy a kick-ass system that will rock. In any case it will be a journey you will enjoy. Have fun.

Hi Worf.
1. Set your budget!
2. Read Harley's book.

Good advise Johnnyb and Mags.
There you have it, Worf.
Now get Harleys book. You might find it on audiogon, eBay or Amazon.
Keep us posted.