I don't see that you mentioned your source-- vinyl? CD? Streaming ?
If we knew this, it would be easier to make suggestions.
As mentioned, the better the sytem, the more resolving it will be-- in other words, the more information it will deliver to your ear. Good recordings will sound better and poor recordings will sound worse.
As mentioned, you can tune your system to accomodate your listening preferences. There are other members who are much more knowledgeable that I am, but here's a list of factors, in no particular order:
1) The room. You may or may not be able to change its effect significantly, depending upon whether you have a dedicated listening room or not.
Do not assume that a component will sound the same in your room as it does in a showroom ! ! !
2) If you are going digital, your DAC choice is extremely important as there can be wide differences in sonic presentation between them.
I wouldn't rush into purchasing a DAC nor would I buy one I couldn't demo at home.
3) Tone controls: You may want to choose an integrated amp with tone controls or else use a Schiit Loki or Lokius EQ.
4) Amplification. There is quite a wide range, from the "softest", most euphonic tube amps to the "dryest", most "clinical" solid state amps. In the middle of the range, there are tube amps and SS amps that exhibit the better attributes of both. There is also class D, about which I know nothing. Do a search on this site.
4) Cables can make a big difference. This is a huge topic in and of itself!
5) Vibration Control. I was using a Schiit Loki all the time before I stumbled upon a line of vibration control products that really worked in my system. I've subsequently sold the Loki. The harshness I'd previously needed to tame with the EQ is no longer an issue.
6) System Synergy. Choose components very carefully. You can't assume that any random combination of amplification, source, speaker and room will please your ears. Again, I'd suggest you purchase components from sellers who'll let you demo gear at home. Become educated re: the sonic attributes of various manufacturers.
7) The sound in your head. What do you prefer? If you don't know, it's going to be much more challneging to assemble a system, that pleases you. Your comments suggest you're leaning more to the "musicality' side of the spectrum, as opposed to the "ruthlessly revealing" side.
If this is true, you might consider either going with vinyl or with an r2r ladder DAC.
If we knew this, it would be easier to make suggestions.
As mentioned, the better the sytem, the more resolving it will be-- in other words, the more information it will deliver to your ear. Good recordings will sound better and poor recordings will sound worse.
As mentioned, you can tune your system to accomodate your listening preferences. There are other members who are much more knowledgeable that I am, but here's a list of factors, in no particular order:
1) The room. You may or may not be able to change its effect significantly, depending upon whether you have a dedicated listening room or not.
Do not assume that a component will sound the same in your room as it does in a showroom ! ! !
2) If you are going digital, your DAC choice is extremely important as there can be wide differences in sonic presentation between them.
I wouldn't rush into purchasing a DAC nor would I buy one I couldn't demo at home.
3) Tone controls: You may want to choose an integrated amp with tone controls or else use a Schiit Loki or Lokius EQ.
4) Amplification. There is quite a wide range, from the "softest", most euphonic tube amps to the "dryest", most "clinical" solid state amps. In the middle of the range, there are tube amps and SS amps that exhibit the better attributes of both. There is also class D, about which I know nothing. Do a search on this site.
4) Cables can make a big difference. This is a huge topic in and of itself!
5) Vibration Control. I was using a Schiit Loki all the time before I stumbled upon a line of vibration control products that really worked in my system. I've subsequently sold the Loki. The harshness I'd previously needed to tame with the EQ is no longer an issue.
6) System Synergy. Choose components very carefully. You can't assume that any random combination of amplification, source, speaker and room will please your ears. Again, I'd suggest you purchase components from sellers who'll let you demo gear at home. Become educated re: the sonic attributes of various manufacturers.
7) The sound in your head. What do you prefer? If you don't know, it's going to be much more challneging to assemble a system, that pleases you. Your comments suggest you're leaning more to the "musicality' side of the spectrum, as opposed to the "ruthlessly revealing" side.
If this is true, you might consider either going with vinyl or with an r2r ladder DAC.