I have been going through this process for the past two months. I am a hi tech executive and have 30 plus years in computers. But my audiophile knowledge base had gone stale over the past 10 years. I spent hours and hours and more hours doing internet research and asking lots of questions at Magnolia HiFi, Chelsea Audio, Freds Sound of Music (the only Audiophile quality dealers here in Portland Oregon), and here on Audioholics. I even demo'd a B&K amp (no HDMI) and learned that, although I loved the sound, I could not live without HDMI (you lose DTS and Dolby Digital from DVD player). I also demo'd a Denon AVR 4308 (which I ended up buying). Speakers were the biggest and most important challenge. I learned a lot over the past few months and eventually made what I think are the right component selections for my needs and budget. The internet is a wonderful research tool. Do your homework and take your time. There are no deals that will not be there in a few days or week.... Good luck!