This is an enormously fun thread to read! This forum offers unrivaled experience and knowledge, and most of the suggestions here are "sound." (Listen to lots of gear, take your time, work with your room, don't underestimate the importance of your sources including a high-end streamer/qobuz, etc.)
As a self-described "newbie" out here, you might also keep in mind that for many 'Goners this isn't a hobby but a way of life. They (we, I suppose) have spent decades trying different equipment, different sounds, different rooms, different music, different cables, different audiophile philosophies. You're trying to do something very difficult: spend a considerable amount of money to get it "right" the first time. I'd be curious to hear if anyone on this forum, even with that kind of budget, managed that trick. (In fact, no one can know if they got it right without ... trying different equipment in their system.) And part of the problem is that for many there is no "right." There can be great pleasure in tweaking and re-imagining a system, but it can also be a long-term and even life-long project.
So in addition to considering your budget, your room, and your music, I'd encourage you to consider your psychological well-being! Keep it FUN, whether that means two years of research or just handing over your credit card to the nicest salesman. In fact, there's something to be said for working with a high-end audio store, especially as @jjss49 said, if they'll come to your room and later help you set it up. For that budget, they should. (For what it's worth, I'm also skeptical of some of the first dealer's suggestions, though he has spent more time with you than any of us.) For years I worked with the owner of a high-end store in my area and thoroughly enjoyed his support and his company. I'll add, though, that I don't remember him ever suggesting a specific brand to me; he only encouraged me to listen and listen and listen.
Have fun and enjoy the ride!
