Hi,
I'm not nearly educated in audio equipment and spent a lot of time reading
on the net only to be even more confused. My interest is in listening to
music, not home theater, but I'd like to try the SACD and DVD-A as more
music is released. Should I stick with stereo or look at multi-channel?

I'd also like to buy from a local store/dealer, but I really hate to walk
into a store and not have a clue as to what I should be looking at
especially when I see the prices on high end equipment, way out of my
league. Any recommendations in Northern NJ/NYC where I won't be wasting
their time with a $3k budget, that has a decent selection and salesman that
can explain features to an audio equipment novice? Right now all I want to
do is play CDs.

Generally, I purchase what you guys would probably call low end equipment
from an electronics store. I'd like to update my system but don't know if
spending $3k is going to get me any better sound than spending $1.5k at
Circuit City. My music tastes vary from classical to rock and just about
everything in between. I don't blast my music, like it at a comfortable
listening level.

Any suggestions on where to begin, maybe a good site or magazine
recommendation? Thanks.

Regards-Michael G.