My jazz collection told me to get a *real* system

I'd like to support Charles' argument: take some time first to find what approach works for you. It could be low-powered tubes and sensitive speakers. It could be big class A solid state amps driving panels. It could be classic Brit-fi. Go to some shows. Visit some bricks and mortar dealers. A good one will listen to you and lay out some options at various price points, including for the all-at-once vs one-"lifetime"-component-at-a-time-over-several-years strategies. 

My my own example: I heard a demonstration by Jeffrey Catalano of High Water Sound (dealer in NYC) at a show a few years back and couldn't forget the experience. Here at last was my sound. But way over my budget. I continued to try other components, but without feeling I was making any progress. Eventually I decided to give Jeffrey a call and just ask him: I can't afford that system, but how close can I get with a much smaller budget? I'm so glad I made that call -- we worked out a plan for  system that I love, I've bought three components from him so far, and I'm quite sure I will end up saving a lot of money over the long run.

And finally, enjoy the ride!

pingvin, out of curiosity, what was that "your sound" system that you heard at the show? High Water Sound deals in esoteric gear.

In a word, "immersive", in the same way live music is. Okay, you say, what the heck does that mean? I think two things in particular: first, the system is very fast, with excellent micro dynamics, and second, it has superb timbral accuracy. The first seems to be the province of simple, low-powered amplifiers and very sensitive speakers -- I tend to find systems with big amps and low sensitivity sound kinda constipated, whereas live music comes to you immediately. The second aspect usually -- but not always -- comes from analog sources and tube amps. 

The system Jeffrey was demonstrating that day had type 45 tube monoblocs pumping a mighty 1.5 watts into 96db sensitive speakers. I think he would say that it was one of his faster and more open sounding systems (compared with the denser sound from, say, a type 845 tube amp).

BTW, I don't feel a need to argue that my (eventual) system or even that show system is "the best". Neither would be the first choice for thrash metal fans, I'm guessing. A friend of mine whose taste runs to late romantic period big orchestral works plays only digital and loves his big Revels. That's cool; I just have different priorities. 

HWS does sell some very esoteric gear, to be sure. But he can start you with a $1500 tube integrated and some $2K Neat speakers that will make great music together. 

Hi pingvin,
Thanks for posting your very insightful listening impressions. Jeff Catàlano (High Water Sound) yes, I completely understand your experience with him. I’ve heard his systems on 5 different occasions across a variety of audio shows over the years. He consistently has some of the finest sound you’ll hear without fail.

His method is to pair lower power tube amplifiers and high sensitivity easy to drive speakers and it is indeed a wining formula for him. In my experience he used Tron SET amplifiers (either 300b or 211 tubes) driving Cessaro speakers or Horning speakers. Regardless of the combination chosen the result is exceptionally "natural " very realistic sound quality, the music just flows and fills the room. One year at CES he used an Electra Fidelity SET driving the Horning Eufrodite with excellent results.

He has used analog records exclusively in my experience and "all" genres of music sound very good in his systems. He is definitely a fan of jazz and has a superb collection to choose from.

Pingvin I agree with you, he does present a sound that differs from the numerous rooms using high power solid state amplifiers. I find his sound to be more open, flowing and emotionally very involving. There’s more the sense of musicians are in the room or you in the recording venue, very impressive!

It’s all a matter of personal taste of course but his systems do stand out at the audio shows year after year. Pingvin I’m convinced that you have a fabulous audio system via Jeff’s components and as important, his guidance.
Charles

offer $2500 for this table-http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649352700-vpi-prime-turntable-w-3d-arm/ 

Jump on this.  Great price for an amazing TT.  I recently updated my two channel equipment with jazz as my primary focus.  I bought the Prime retail with a Quintet Black cart.  I had a Project Carbon with Sumiko Blue Point No 2 and while that TT and cart helped me love vinyl again the Prime brought things to a new level.

I agree with the other comments about tubes.  I went SS for my amp and tubes with my pre.  I'd recommend the Atma-Sphere MP-3.  If you change two things to completely improve your sound the Prime and MP-3 would do that for you.  USA Tube Audio is having a sale on the MP-3 now.