Caveat: Will never claim expertise on rocket science engineering or golden ears. Will not make any product endorsements as well.
If your primary goal is to enjoy music, you don't have to shred your wallet into threads. Buy more records or tunes! Don't mind what others will say about your system or what type of source you listen to. End of the day, you enjoy what you really need.... Listening to Music (not equipment).
NAD has a history of making quality products. The only problem I encounter with them is that its not expensive or "WOW" looking enough for some folks
.
Im a complete newbie to seperates so i think it may take me ahwile to decide which ones to get, alhtough ive read its best to have a CD player and amp from the same company.
In my experience, no. The best optical/digital player is the manufacturer who makes the best one for its price. Same rule applies for amps. If you enjoy objectively testing products the way I did, please do. I'm eager to know other's experience as well.
Its good to know you're willing to spend time for your purchase. The best scenario for you is, if your dealer will allow, test the equipment (one at a time) you want to buy using your own existing rig and room. Try all the types of music you enjoy listening. Please do not base your decisions to the quality of "ambulance/police car siren", "jet plane engine" on test records unless thats the kind of music you really want to hear everyday. Also, please do not limit yourself to audiophile recordings unless all your collection is audiophile pressing.
The basic rule you could apply is: If you don't honestly hear it, don't buy. Get more music or watch live performances instead
.
The only drawbak to the Bose speakers is that if the CD has less-than-audiophile engineering, the speakers expose that. But if I put on an audiophile recording...watch out! The sound is rich and real.
All things being equal, good recordings will sound good on a decent system. If audiophile recordings sound rich and real on your rig, all the more reason for you to celebrate for you have a good system that didn't cost you an arm and a leg. Horray!
As for power ratings of an amp, consider first the room. One doesn't need large wattage for a small room. Also, for small rooms, just buy monitor speakers and live with its limitations. Think of the useless electricity bill for overkill systems.
Be realistic. Be immune to advertising. Trust your ears, your better judgment and what really makes you happy!! An impressive-wow-looking rig would be a tragedy if there's not enough music to listen to. Happy Listening!