More expensive = better?

@OP, the simple truth is that, understandably,  no audio manufacturer is going to advise you to treat your room acoustically before making a decision on their product.

In an untreated room audio enthusiasts are making the wrong decisions all the time. System too bright?..buy a new amp.  Too dull..buy a new something.

My advice is to sort out your room before you change anything. A treated room, even one with just basic additions will have an enormously positive effect. If you spend some effort, $100 on a microphone and download for free REW you will have the same tools the professionals use and will be able to optimise the room.

If you are not prepared to learn how to use these tools, which is not difficult, then install bass traps in the corners and absorption panels at the first reflection points. These are what I referred to as 'basic' and will help smooth out the low frequencies and reduce some of the long decay time. Check out DIY super-chunk bass traps, easier than you think and cheap.

I can provide lots more info but it mostly falls on deaf ears so I'll stop here. The vast majority of posters have not heard even a modest system in a properly treated room and just dismiss the suggestion, finding the idea of throwing more money at their hobby more attractive.     

Wow along with Master M, Mr. lemonhaze has hit the nail on the head. I can take what some call MidFi gear and it sounds just as good in the end with a treated and acoustically tuned room as gear costing 10 times the amount. I have owned, fixed, borrowed, had gear left in wills, and been given a LOT of gear. Of all the gear none of it stands out as "The Best".

I like the layout of some gear because I'm a mechanic. When designers make a power amp complicated to access and repair that is a big mark against them. We are not trying to get to Mars with the silly thing and it doesn't have to do triple duty like be a toilet and part of the landing gear too.

I think about Pass design power amps X600.8 are 27,000.00 for a pair, X250.8 a little over 10K.

I can use a Threshold for 2500-3500.00 and I'd doubt a soul could say one sounded "BETTER" in any way, than the BIG dollar Pass. At the time Threshold wasn't cheap and still aren't. A 550e is a pretty amazing piece of gear.

Mcintosh gear, some like it, some don't. Just like anything else, you have to learn about their gear. 50 years with Mac. Is there gear that will do something Mac gear doesn't do?

I could start and finish a setup with just Mcintosh gear. From the wall outlet to the Turntable's dust cover with top quality service, performance, selection and  a wonderful visual.

Are there better sounding all in one systems? Show me ONE manufacture that has everything. EVERYTHING. Including servicing everything they have EVER made around the world..

Pick TWO that can do it all, THREE, put three companies together and do it..:-) I picked Mac because my DADDY and MOMMY did to.. So there... I don't know how to stick out my tongue, but I did.

Give credit where credit is due, Mcintosh is a symbol of success in ALL parts of the world, not just the US.

I'm not paid for, or sell or promote ANY gear other than because I LIKE it.. NO ONE PAYS me for any type of service other than sexual favors.. I have my limits. No need to be a prude!

Happy New Year..  

My best wishes for the new year to all and especially to the old wise ranting mechanic man above my post... 😊

Absolutely.

And a $16K amp will sound even better.

That’s what the salesperson will say.

But in reality it’s unfortunately about system matching, room matching, musical preferences and your likes.  That 8K amp might sound like a turd to “you” in your room and you might find a sub-1K amp that blows your current amp out the water.

Such is life of an audiophile.  Sorry.

Yes - Try darTZeel, I'm sure you will be impressed.