If you had to start all over again in this day and age

I have had well over 100 components through the years. Mostly I am circling back to the 1980s.  So, if I had to do it all over again, I would probably stuck with what I had in the 1980s and left it alone. Except I would have added some digital source components such as CD player and streamer. 

If I had to do it all over again. SInce 1976 I have bought at least 140 separate audio components.  And since I am finding I am buying a lot of components that I used to have in the mid 1980s, I would have left things alone for the last 35-40 years with the exception of CD players and streamers.  I would have saved a fortune.  I have yet to experience any amp/preamp better than the Thresholds I had and now have again. The only component I never replaced and still have is my ENTEC SW-1 subwoofer. 

Have two systems that have been continuously evolving over many years. They are “lower to middle third” of high end in price. So upgrading any single component/cable, etc would have almost no impact on SQ.  Vinly is better than streaming on both systems. CD and streaming are both excellent - can’t tell them apart.
System 1 has tube preamp, tube phono pre, tube dac, and ss amps, and it is in a larger room.
System 2 has tube integrated and tube phono pre in a smaller room.
Frustrated that there are no obvious upgrades in the offing, but listening to music is sublime.
No desire to start over.

arro222

... can you burn cd’s from a streaming service?

Not really. You could stream the audio, then record it in real time using a digital recorder before burning to CD. Of course, that’s not very practical, and would also involve another A/D > D/A step.

Thanks for the topic, arro222
Back in the brick and mortar days, the early questions would be about room, present gear, goals and budget.  Your first question is put in such a fashion that none of these are tied down except for the goal of "satisfaction."  The second question implies there IS some gear, but without details.
My son, 22 is a very passionate, aspiring musician.  So far, he has not chased hi end sound, but did complain a few years ago, "Dad, I can' t listen to mp3s any longer."  He and some of his peers developed a keen interest in vinyl, so we put together a simple system that has the speed to serve his electronic and ambient music.   
His source is a Dual 1229 tt w/Shure M97xE cart, a Nakamichi cassette deck for sales that supplement his digital art.  Other gear includes a refurbished NAD 3140 integrated amp and a used pair of quick mtm style Model SA 1530 slender floor standing Danish loudspeakers.  Toss in some good interconnects and diy speaker cables, record cleaning stuff ... done.  This is how I would advise anyone wanting to get into vinyl on a budget. 
IF you are a seasoned music person, and it's a "ground up" reset, it would be the room first and foremost; good power; educating yourself or getting help with speaker types and their placement, then room treatments.  High quality self-powered speakers today can provide a simple, easy solution, then add streaming provisions.  Uncluttered, great sound with the least cables and boxes, all easily managed from a tablet or cell.  

For non-tech older folks, as with computers, find dependable, savvy help for your specific goals.  The performance of entry level modern gear has become incredibly good, and it absolutely surpasses our old tried and true stock vintage gear...by far.  In plain English, no matter your budget, due diligence is greatly rewarded.  An amazing time for music lovers.
More Peace, Pin