I get caught up in your descriptions of the recordings that infer you listen to acoustic music to evaluate good sound, yet most of the selections are Prog Rock groups with the exception of one classical piece. Using selections that are recorded extremely well will do the best job of bringing out the good and bad points of the equipment in use.
You are apparently a good listener, so that is half the battle. as for getting a great amp and a mediocre speaker, most people would recommend doing just the opposite. I started out with SAE equipment, then Hafler, and finally scored
a used Levinson 23.5 (after saving up for quite a while). My speaker evolution went from ADS bookshelf to ADS floorstanders and finally to B&W's. Patience was the only thing i had in abundance- that and a clear goal to get high-end gear sometime in the future.
BTW, the ADS speakers were damn good for Steely Dan but not as good for Metallica. But they did jazz and classical music wonderfully well given the price level. And since You mentioned Aerial Acoustics- this is the same guy who designed ADS back in the 70's & 80's. I am certain they can do justice to bass frequencies. As for an amplifier, a used Rowland model one (60w/ch) in good shape could be a great tool to drive a good speaker.
but... these examples are
pieces I would consider. You need to do a lot more listening- just don't deny yourself the experience of auditioning some REALLY good equipment so
you know where you want to go for now and for later on.
You are apparently a good listener, so that is half the battle. as for getting a great amp and a mediocre speaker, most people would recommend doing just the opposite. I started out with SAE equipment, then Hafler, and finally scored
a used Levinson 23.5 (after saving up for quite a while). My speaker evolution went from ADS bookshelf to ADS floorstanders and finally to B&W's. Patience was the only thing i had in abundance- that and a clear goal to get high-end gear sometime in the future.
BTW, the ADS speakers were damn good for Steely Dan but not as good for Metallica. But they did jazz and classical music wonderfully well given the price level. And since You mentioned Aerial Acoustics- this is the same guy who designed ADS back in the 70's & 80's. I am certain they can do justice to bass frequencies. As for an amplifier, a used Rowland model one (60w/ch) in good shape could be a great tool to drive a good speaker.
but... these examples are
pieces I would consider. You need to do a lot more listening- just don't deny yourself the experience of auditioning some REALLY good equipment so
you know where you want to go for now and for later on.