Although I've always been a music listener and have had many 'stereo systems' over the years, a recent visit to a friends convinced me that my main listening environment (a low end home theatre system) was really crap. So I set about assembling a budget minded entry level audiopile system that I have called my Starter 'Reference' System. My hope is that a) I will like it and it will sound good b) it will be of sufficient quality that I might actually be able to hear a difference if I insert a piece for testing or upgrade a piece in the future.

This system is so new that I don't actually have all the pieces yet - some are still in transit - so I don't myself know how it will sound. I'll update with photos and my sentiments once it is fully assembled and broken in. Total investment is just over $3305.

BTW, I'm primarily a jazz and fussion fan - mostly instrumentals, but those female jazz singers are doing it for me too! I also listen to progresive rock from my formative years - the 70's and 80's.

In the mean time, I'd love to hear comments and suggestions as where it's lacking or what I should consider adding or upgrading to increase my listening enjoyment.