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


I have an opportunity to build another system and I'm looking to mix up the sound I seek and it occurred to me to ask the 'goners! So..... why did you choose the components in your current system? In other words- what was important to you when building it? 
polkalover
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....
My gear like my music have to excite me;  it has to make me happy.  Perception is everything.  I have to believe in it and feel that I’m lucky for owning it.  My system makes me happy even when it’s powered off;  even when I’m away and thinking about it.  I think tonearms are works of art,  NAB hub adapters are eye candy, and big heavy tube amps are sexy.  I love gear.  As for sound I grew up and live in downtown Nashville listening to loud live music through Fender guitar amps and PA’s.  You don’t just hear the music, you feel it, you experience it. These are all things that influence how I choose my components and speakers.