GameFAQs is a goldmine if this is about video games. Walkthroughs, reviews, message boards, the works. For music, check Allmusic.com — they have great write-ups and 'if you like X you'll like Y' recommendations.

Don't spend a lot of money right away. The industry changes constantly and what's considered the best today will be outdated in a year or two. Start with a mid-range option and you'll be happy.

Personal preference plays a huge role here so take my recommendation with a grain of salt. What I love, you might hate. But based on what you described, I think you'd really enjoy what I'm about to suggest.

My buddy got me into this and the best thing he did was let me try his stuff before I bought anything. See if you have a friend who's already into it, or check if there's a local club. Hands-on beats reading reviews any day.

Whatever you do, ignore the snobs. Every hobby has gatekeepers who act like you need expensive gear or 'correct' taste to belong. Forget them. Enjoy it your own way at your own pace. It's supposed to be fun.

Borrow before you buy. The library has way more than books — CDs, DVDs, even some equipment. Try things out for free first. No reason to drop a lot of money before you know whether you'll stick with it.

Check out dedicated forums and message boards for this topic. The communities are usually very welcoming to newcomers and can give much more detailed advice than a general Q&A site. Plus they have buyer's guides and FAQ sections.