Purchasing first orchid - Cheap Vs Quality

[Sylphire]

I'm about ready to purchase my first orchid and I'd like a little advise on what to purchase in regards to cost versus quality.

I have never kept orchids before but after having done some work on my mother-in-law's suffering phal I've fallen in love and decided to get into the hobby.

I'll likely begin with phals as they seem to grow well here in London and I've had a good read of what to look for when purchasing a plant but should I buy cheap and work with a potentially neglected plant from a commercial source or shell out for something better from a specialist?

I have noted that some say you can learn a lot from having to rescue a cheap plant. However, I've always been very particular about the health of my new plants and I hate bringing in disease but if I get things wrong and accidentally, well... kill it, ahem... it's a costly lesson.

What is everyone's thoughts and opinions on this?