Quote Originally Posted by Penarth Blues View Post
You don't need to know anything - just go in and listen. Ask if you can borrow a Muso for the weekend to try at home - the room it is in is always a key component to any stereo. This also gives you a chance to extend your bluffer's guide to HiFi knowledge through trial and error

Seriously, who gives a shit what the shop staff think of you, you're not asking them out for a date. You are offering to spend money with them - they should be grateful, and can talk you through where everything is going now so you can consider all the options.

I'd consider the Muso to be a good, safe bet for future proofing as it's small enough to go in nearly every room in the house, and could be taken on holiday too at a push (though it needs to be plugged into the mains).

Spending money should be fun - go and enjoy asking questions, you come over as curious on this MB so this should be enjoyable