As I see it, there are too many choices out there. How can anyone possibly find the "Best" system with hundred of speakers and thousands of combinations to choose from.
Secondly, each system has it's strengths. Depending on the song, volume, your mood, etc., one system could sound better than another. Change the song and the "Best" system is now something else.
It's an enigma that spending more money does not gaurantee more peace of mind. It should but it doesn't, go figure.
What worked for me is single driver. If you can live with the limitations, there aren't many choices out there. So less to decide between. Because of the inherent simplicity the differences are pretty obvious.
A second option is adding a sub to a little system like mine. A third option is a speaker which runs up to 5-10kHz and add a supertweeter like the Ling.
As for your wife listening, my girlfriend tells me my little system "Sounds really good". Women don't listen in the same way as men and what may sound good to you may not sound good to her. As on dealer recently told me "There aren't many women audiophiles out there because they hear a lot more faults on stereos that men do.". So may I suggest getting your wife involved in the auditioning process and she may gain a better appreciation of stereos and who knows, with her input you may get a better stereo than you have now.
Secondly, each system has it's strengths. Depending on the song, volume, your mood, etc., one system could sound better than another. Change the song and the "Best" system is now something else.
It's an enigma that spending more money does not gaurantee more peace of mind. It should but it doesn't, go figure.
What worked for me is single driver. If you can live with the limitations, there aren't many choices out there. So less to decide between. Because of the inherent simplicity the differences are pretty obvious.
A second option is adding a sub to a little system like mine. A third option is a speaker which runs up to 5-10kHz and add a supertweeter like the Ling.
As for your wife listening, my girlfriend tells me my little system "Sounds really good". Women don't listen in the same way as men and what may sound good to you may not sound good to her. As on dealer recently told me "There aren't many women audiophiles out there because they hear a lot more faults on stereos that men do.". So may I suggest getting your wife involved in the auditioning process and she may gain a better appreciation of stereos and who knows, with her input you may get a better stereo than you have now.