All wonderful comments - I'm most impressed by their sincerity and the intelligence of this forum (I do not mean this to be condescending). Even though this can be a mightily expensive hobby, ultimately, I think most people engage in it out of sheer love for music and the nourishment it provides. To be sure, there are those who see high-end equipment as an emblem of their financial prowess or a way of expressing their macho instincts (what I term the "kick ass" mentality). Generally, the latter breed are transparently obvious and are to be avoided. Here's my two cents worth. I have been most fortunate in being able to acquire what I consider to be a stratospherically-expensive system, comprising, inter alia, JMlab Utopias, Krell monoblocks and dCS DAC and upsampler. I auditioned a number of systems, inlcuding the Spectral/Avalon combo. While very impressive, it's main weak link is the versatility/upgradability of the front-end (remembering the format turmoil at present). Since I have, at least, 3500 CD's, I wanted to ensure that I can "milk" the most out of this inoptimal source as well as ensuring that my system is reasonably "future proof". I have serious doubt about whether this is possible with the Spectral DAC,etc (even though it sounds superb). Hence my purchase of the dCS gear. Yes, I agree that vinyl surpasses everything in musicality, but am somewhat intolerant of the lengths one has to go to acquire it and maintain it. On the issue of tube vs SS, I still am dazzled by the benefits of the latter. Perhaps as I my audiophile instincts evolve, I, too will find tube equipment seductive.
Dream System. Spectral or Levinson.
I'm considering between two systems, but would love to hear your input. Debating on a Spectral/MIT/Avalon system w/Spectral Mono Block's, and all Spectral Digital. Or Mark Levinson/Revel Salon system, w/No 33's and Full Levinson Digital. Your thoughts or Suggestions.