hi everyone!

im new here, and i want a new stereo. unfortunatly i have got a panasonic hifi - an all in one cheap unit. this just wont do anymore, and i want to invest some money into a quality system. i really dont know where to start.

this system is going in a small room, so i was looking at getting some decent bookshelf speakers to mount on the wall. i dont know if these would be sufficient though. i like a lot of different types of music, from house to hard rock to jazz... so i figure the speakers have to be able to cope with all these different styles. i like to crank it up, so id like to hear the deep bass of the house music without distortion, and still hear the clarity. are bookshelf speakers designed for this?

i have been offered a pair of bose 301 series V speakesr for a very good price. anybody have opinions on these speakers?

does the size of the bookshelf speakers have limiations? i'd like to avoid getting any subwoofers. i'd much rather keep it simple, a traditional stereo, if that makes sense. just two speakers.

that brings me to the amp: being that i want just a basic stereo, no surround sound. but do they even make stereo amplifiers anymore? they all seem to be AV receivers. i was thinking perhaps i should get a second hand amp from the 90s, like a yamaha, marantz or pioneer or something. what are some thoughts on this? i figure i would be pretty safe in getting a quality brand amp, i couldnt imagine there being much difference in sound quality between different brand amps?

i will also want to use a turntable with this set up. as with the amplifiers of today, i can't seem to find many quality turntables (without spending a thousand dollars). so again, i was thinking perhaps i could find a used, but good quality and good brand turntable to use. most new turntables i have seen are cheap and tacky... i think a lot of the older turntables produce a much nicer, and warmer sound.

ok guys, long post i know. as you can tell by now i probably don't have a clue... lol, so i would really appreciate any input and help with deciding on the components for this system. i have a lot to learn!

thank you!