Warm vs Revealing—the struggle for balance

I would also like to add that as one ages, hearing changes can impact on the way we appreciate a more nuanced (warm with some high end roll off) sound signature and a lower volume, I have found my very detailed speakers have now been tamed by a fully tube amplification section which suits me well at the moment.

Everyone has their preferred listening options, one that is easy and non-fatiguing, but I still find I love listening to my Class A amp,... sometimes. The rabbit hole runs deep, enjoy the ride,

@erik_squires 

"The issue with revealing often has to do with looking for a midrange or tweeter curve that will cut through the room acoustics."

+1.  And, well stated.

Anyone else doing this back and forth?

@w123ale No. Whenever you have increased detail that is also fatiguing (bright and harsh), the fatigue is often the result of distortion. 

You know you're making progress when the presentation is detailed and relaxed at the same time.

@mapman 

Where would Monet have ended up if resolution and detail were his goal rather than abstract impressions?

Early Manet.  And if you prefer Realism, or something other than Impressionism, Monet wouldn’t be your guy.  This isn’t really a strong argument for less resolving sources.   Different folks like different things.

Hey, My favorite way to get warmth and revealing is a tube preamp and a SS amp. I use ARC Ref 2se with a Luxman M10X. Even if you went with an much older preamp and went reasonable class D amp. Even some of the Chinese stuff as long as it can drive your speakers properly. It is the sound you car looking for. Rogue has great preamps that won’t break the bank. My first preference would’ve the preamp. It is the soul of your system. One of my favorite integrated amps of all time is the Rogue Sphinx. Tube input, 100w SS amp, and it it has a very nice phono stage for $1800 with the metal remote. I hope this helps.