Why did you choose the components and speakers that are in your system?

You have to experience the kind of music you listen to in many good live venues often over time for the ultimate reference for how things should sound. Pleasing sound is different and much easier. It’s all a matter of what your goals are.

I will echo what most here have said, start with the speakers.  Do a lot of listening to both different styles of speakers and then different brands.  @mapman made a great point about choosing speakers that best match your room.  In my experience that is mostly related to room size.  You can still stick with the style or designer you like but make sure they are large enough to fill a big room or small enough to not overpower a smaller room.  I am a proponent of multiple subs (and not your main speakers)  to control the very low bass (i.e., below about 40 or 50 Hz).  Once you have your speakers selected, make sure you have enough power to control them.  One last thing is to consider how you wish to interact with the system.  I wanted mine as simple as possible.  All my components remain powered on all the time, and I do not use physical media.  If I want to hear music, I simply pick up my iPad, select what I want to hear, and press volume on a remote control.  Others are fine with systems that require more tinkering around, i.e., tubes, warm up, and/or physical media.

Don’t overlook dispersion characteristics when choosing speakers for a room.  Also consider how far away from speakers you will typically be listening from. 

@polkalover - I trust my ears - always

1. speakers - have always been the first thing I buy - must be neutral, detailed, "invisible", full range and heavy!
2. Great Cables, i.e. IC's, Speaker and Power cables
3. amp - must have great dynamics, neutral sound, well laid out circuit board to mitigate noise and a great warranty
4. phono stage - must be adaptable to all of the various cartridges out there and be verrrrry quiet
5. streamers - must handle up to 24-192, play from any "device" (network, USB, NAS, Bluetooth) and have intuitive interface
6. A Great (but affordable) Audio Stand

My components are all over the map, so looks are the last thing I consider as important

My System...

1. Gershman Acoustics Sonogram speakers
2. Helix IMAGE DIY cables
3. Bryston B135 amp - 20 year transferable warranty
4. Simaudio MOON LP5.3 RS phono
5. Bluesound Node 2i streamer
6. VTI four leg stand - 5 shelf unit - nice looking, but not "flashy"

It's a modest little system
- with a million dollar sound
- thanks to those awesome cables

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

Regards - Steve

If you have a good local dealer go there listen and put yourself in their hands if you like what you hear.