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

Furman 20 PFI - protection + clean power without loss of dynamics
Airport Express - to transfer data only (computer not important)
Benchmark DAC3 HGC - to make 280ps of AE jitter inaudible.
Benchmark AHB2 - very clean and very dynamic.
Hyperion HPS-938 - Giant killer speakers.

Trial and error. 

Accurate speakers provable by measurements instead of cognitive bias. Electronics that are adaptable to automation and streaming, and under the threshold of audible distortion. Speakers that compliment  the rooms they are used in. For example, I need unobtrusive speakers in the living room, but not in the media room. Flat down to 31Hz (5-string electric bass). Price.

I needed a very  small apartment system for music that sounded good regardless of placement and volume. I was fortunate enough to buy Aerial 5T and Parasound Hint 6 used, and i connected my old Marantz CD-67se and its perfect for me. I put the Aerials on good stands away from a wall just to maximize the sound. Rich and smooth sound with a bit of warmth that sound good at low volumes but really open up at louder volumes (when my neighbors are away).

When I bought a pair of Magnepan's A LOT of gear needed to be changed/upgraded. I am, however VERY happy and my system has never sounded better and my musical enjoyment has never been higher or more involved.For some reason the Maggies make me want to consistently tweek and upgrade. Fuses to Schumann generators. I never went to these lengths before owning Magnepan's????  Every little increase in performance the speakers let you hear it. They are goose bump creatorsIt's BS that they can't produce bas btw. I ditched my sub after I upgraded my amp....