As someone considered a tech authority, I am often asked by family and friends what kind of gear to buy. Short of listing my phone number here and having you call me for shopping advice, here's the gear I've actually shelled out money for, and some buying advice.
These mammoth B&W Matrix 802 Series 2 speakers are at least 20 years old, the oldest still-working gadgets I own. B&W has updated them many times – here are the current versions – but I love the smooth, warm sound these classics produce. How much are the new 802s? If you have to ask… Buying advice: Always take familiar music with you to a store to audition speakers, and listen at low – not high – volume levels, since that's how you'll likely listen at home.