Hi,

I am looking at buying my first amp/cd separates. I don't want to
break the bank, and am not an "audiophile" as such, but I do want a
decent rig to do audio justice to my cd collection and which will keep
me going for some years.

Two good-but-budget options presented to me by my local shop (Peats)
in Dublin a

1. Sony TA-FE370 amp + Sony CDP-XE370 cd player
2. Yamaha AX-396 amp + Yamaha CDX-396 cd player

The above suit my pocket. I could not see/hear much difference between
the two setups. Is there ?

(5 cd changers also came up, specifically Sony CDP-CE375B and Yamaha
CDC-585... A 5x changer is handy. Are there drawbacks compared to a
single cd player ??)

Regarding speakers, the following have been suggested by the retailer:

1. Mission M31
2. Mission M32
3. Wharfedale Diamond 8.1

Again, not much between them to my ears in the shop (not ideal
listening conditions). Any views ? Suggestions on other alternatives ?

The suggestions may have something to do with stock lines/availability
in the Dublin shop. Richer Sounds used to be in Dublin but they are
closed now. There is one in Belfast about 2.5 hrs away and it might be
worth the journey.

Sorry if these questions are beginner's standard, but would appreciate
any replies, on or off the list.

rgds
Niall