Bruce J. Richman wrote:

Concerning speakers, you should not make a decision withouth at least
auditioning one of the less expensive Magneplanar models. These planar dipoles
have a type of presentation which for many of us sppears to be much more
realistic and "lifelike" than that found with conventional box speakers. While
most of them would be out of your price range perhaps, you can get a pair of
MMG Magnepan speakers for $ 550/pair, direct from the factory, with a moneyback
guiarantee if you don;t like their sound. (Also, they can be traded in within
a year for a better model if you want to upgrade).

You can learn about Magnepan speakers at:

www.magnepan.com

As most here would tell you, the larger part of your budget should be devoted
to the speakers, not the CD player or amplifier.

The 1.6s are great, but the 1.2s - you get 95% of the sound. My recommendation
- $900-$1000 for the 1.2s and a good $500 subwoofer.

Oh - these are amazing ambience speakers. Even the little MMGs monted on a
wall, which is the least optimal position, are amazing - the whole house
will fill with music without the typical echoing you get from small speakers.