I want to be moved and have the music touch my soul!

@Honashagen, Have you listened to your audiophile cousins system, and how does his system sound to you? Is it moving your soul? Does it sound better than your system or how does it sound compared to your system?
I'd also have to ask if you have recently been to any high end audio stores, and how did those systems sound to you?

Oops forgot...and room treatments!

Honashagen ...

Let's see if I get this straight. You were happy with the sound of your Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers, then gave them up based upon what your cousin said? 

Here's my advice... purchase another pair of the Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 speakers and then keep your cousin away from your system. 

It doesn't matter what other's think. It matters what satisfies you musically.  

Frank

In the past his system has blown me away but not the last time I heard it which was about 3 weeks ago. It was good but not OMG good. I need to hear a $100K or higher system I guess. No good audio stores around here any more. I'm trying to figure out what I'm missing. It's like when you are listening to your system and maybe reading a magazine and not paying close attention to the music and something comes on makes you look up and say wow!

@OP, I’m in Chicago suburbs. You’re welcome to come by to listen to some of your music or mine on my system.  I’m not suggesting my system is for you or great for everyone. But the number of brick and mortar dealers has dwindled and its hard to hear systems put together for synergy’s sake.  

I have two different setups—SS and tube.  I also have it setup to do hybrid-tube pre with solid state amp.  I have a tube and regular DAC.  I also have a SET 300b amp. Many probably have more than I but I have a good options to suit my changing moods. 

Some days i want a burger. Some days I want fish. Other days vegetarian.  And it’s no different in hifi for me.