My ears -your ears

I've been engaged in the high end audiophile market for 30 years now and although I've never been one to suggest "your system sucks" or "buy this or suffer", I do know what I like.
I've heard the best of the best, (i.e. Goldmund, Audio Research, Passe, Mark Levinson, etc...) and I've heard many of the low-end high fideletity products ( Bryston, Rotel, Onkyo, etc...) and I guess I'm getting old because the ear is not as subjective as it used to be.
Speakers, for me, define a soundstage. If you purchase an amplifier that costs more than $3k today I think you are wasting money. I listen to vinyl, a lot, and a burned in Bryston 4B is more than sufficient for my ears. If I want even more symphonic clarity, I have Grado RS1 headphones.
Really want to own a pair of Thiel CS5 speakers but I will not sell my truck to buy them. I settle for my Kef 105s.
All I'm saying is be careful what you buy, if you have the coin to buy cutting edge and you wish to impress your guests ( who will forget what components you own an hour after they leave) go nuts.
If you want to actually enjoy music every single day with minimal effort and a decent price, buy within your means. There is ourstanding high end gear for the same price or slightly more than mid-fi garbage. Don't be talked into audio of the gods because you think it will be so much better.
Most of my gear is now 15-20 years old but it is still cutting edge when it comes to reproducing vinyl, cd and FM radio.
If you can purchase gear with that longevity you are far and away ahead of the game.
Besides, you are getting older....

Cheers..