Suggestions from all you wise ones

@golden,
You have some great manufacturers near you. 
Atma-Sphere- who is another Audiogon contributor here
and Magnepan.
If it were me, I would pick Ralph (atmasphere)'s brain via PM. 
He knows a lot, and builds some of the finest tube equipment in the US.
And, he's a nice guy.
B

golden210,

I will be at Axpona with a couple buddies on Friday and maybe Sunday.  I would be open to meeting you there and seeing if there is a day that worked for both of us that you could listen to a pretty well thought out system that has taken me several years to get where I wanted it.  I have both analog and digital front ends that are very good.  My system is in a dedicated room in the basement and sounds very dynamic, transparent, and detailed.  The last things I've changed have caused a much more organic sound.  I have about 1100 albums and 750 CDs.  I live about 35 miles SW of Chicago so it would be 2 1/4 hours drive at worst each way from Milwaukee.  The total cost of my system bought mostly used would be quite a bit more than what you currently have.  It would give you an idea of what an upgraded system could sound like and if it is even worth it to you.

Let me know if you're interested.
Bob

Hey Bob,(dorkwad) I can make the Friday date. From your post I'm not sure you want just to meet at the show plus go to your cave. I'm open for anything. I will be alone as the few of my friends come to my place when they need an ear full but that's as far as will go. Matter of fact they both got my equipment for free through the years. I think I explained above I just replaced my Adcom preamp with a NAD C 165BEE and really happy except for not enough volume from my Thorens TD160. I fixed that by using. A phono preamp and plugging it into one of the non phono inputs. My CD's even sounded so much better than my 25 year old Technics so I thought a new CD player would be better so I ordered a new NAD c546BEE today. To qualfy my love for music I can admit having my new wife of 6 years catching me in the basement with headphones on and she can't understand why I have tears running down my face. No clue that great music moves my soul. If you're interested then let's stay in touch and we can exchange phone numbers during the week.
Thanks,
Guy

Hi Golden,

I live in the Milwaukee area. I have two AXPONA worthy systems I would be glad to show you (at least I think they are AXPONA worthy). Please send me a message if you still would like to hear some other systems. 

Thanks,
Dave

Hi Dave,
I would like to take up on your offer. Can you send me your phone number to my email at guyrobb45@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Guy