Hello everybody. Certifiable newbie from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Songwriter/singer.

OK, here we go. I've been hangin' by the water's edge, working up the courage to take the plunge into high end hi-fi. So much info, brand loyalty, hype...I don't know which end of the pool to jump into. I'm thinking toward the high end of entry level, and my research has me leaning in the following direction:

Amp: Portal Audio Panache ($1,800) Also considering Emotiva XPA-5 ($700)

Speakers: Paradigm 20 V3 ($1,000) Also considering B&W 685 ($600) and Monitor Audio Silver RS1 ($650) QUESTION: Are any or all of these speakers adequate to maximize the amps' capabilities? Any compatibility issues?

CD player: Don't know. Looking for something basic, well built.

Suggestions welcomed.

Thank you!