Flagship product to build around

@erik_squires 

Thanks.

Another question.  You have suggested using blankets and pillows to get an loose idea of where acoustics should be positioned.

I'm currently using blankets and pillows on bar stools to get them near my listening height.  

Any suggestions of temporary ceiling acoustics that ill allow me to return the room back to a WFA area when the testing is done?  I suspect the ceiling is an issue as it's the largest flat reflecting area in the room.  The floor is carpeted and has the furniture sitting on it and the walls in my listening area aren't parallels  I have a ladder and couch cushions but is that going to even remotely approximate what the acoustic ceiling panels would be able to produce?

@ebm 

So you're saying DAC is the product build around cause I'm cheap and lazy?

Well, in a pinch you can string up courtains between folding ladders!

OP,

I think it is appropriate you are reticent at committing to vinyl. I have have had it for fifty years… if I was committing to a great system now I wouldn’t bother. If I loved the idea fiddling with physical stuff and the tradition, then I would. I do not like getting up every 15 minutes… and the older I get the less I like it. 

From what you have said… I think go digital only. So, you would need a WC streamer , DAC, preamp, amp, and speakers. This is the path to the future. I can’t imagine vinyl has much of a future now that finally digital can match analog. Except for folks that love to play with vinyl.

In general, some room treatments are unlikely to be a waste. Buying an amp before you commit to speakers and a preamp I think would be be a mistake.

Careful matching of the amp and speakers. Especially important with tube amplifiers.