Henry
I think what people have said is wise. I would also urge restraint and caution, you have waited 20 years, you can wait a little longer. I have seen people try time and again to buy their ultimate system the first go around and it is rarely successful. The last thing you want to do is get on the never ending merrygoaround of gear. First a few questions to think about. 1 What type of music do you listen to? 2 Who else is having input, eg wife or significant other? 3. How important are aesthetics to you? 4. Hassle factor, what will you put up with? Some things can drive you crazy.
My suggestion is hear a variety of gear, of different price levels. See what you like about the gear and what you don't care for. If you are really lucky you can find a dealer who will help you along but in many instances those days are gone, but its worth the effort anyhow. You can post on audiogon to ask about good dealers in your neck of the woods. If you are spending a good chunk of change ask for a home audition, it will help a lot. But in turn you have to be reasonable to those you are asking for help and not dump them when someone else offers you the gear for 10% less.
I have seen people spend a fortune and not get what they like. I have also seen people spend a fortune - get a great bargain - 30 to 40% off - but the gear matches like hell and then it is no bargain.
The comments on the room are bang on, you can check out rives but you may not be able to treat the room, its still the best bang for the buck. Power can be as simple or complicated as you like. There are whole articles on it in hear but frankly if you have dedicated lines and don't live in a terrible area that should suffice.
As for brands, linn makes very nice all in one company systems but it has a particular sound you may or may not like. I have heard the b and o in several environments - peoples homes, and I must say it is not to my taste but I'm not buying it.
Hope this helps. By the way I speak from personel experience having done this excercise more than once and now having a part time business.
It should be great fun for you, avoid letting it drive you crazy as many do.
Good luck
Gary
