introductory high end audio buying guide

Hi
 I have owned a bose system for several years and I am finally
beginning to feel that I am growing out of it. Its good for home
theater but doesnt give me the *full* sound that I expect for music.
Anyway, I am looking at spending some money to buy a nice stereo
system (a good pair of speaker, an amp and maybe a pre-amp). Can
anyone recommend me to a book or a set of articles which walk you
through some technicals and some suggestions on how to go about
picking stuff. My budget is upto about 5k altho if I can find
something for less than 3k, its better :)

Thanks

- Rajeev