Quick System Building Pop Quiz:

Number 2 since I'm still trying to decide what "good sound" is.

The first 80% is a lot cheaper than when going for the last 20%. Meaning before I go for the last 20%, I better have the basics right.

It depends. If the system is very good, I’d definitely pursue optimizing it. It’s a great way to make subtle personalized changes to suit your tastes and room. I chose that path 30 years ago with what I thought was a really nice sounding system, and have refined it since....isolation, wires, bi-amping, power supply upgrades, mods, tube rolling, etc. Nirvana on a budget!

Starting from scratch can cost a lot of money, and is a shot in the dark whether or not it’ll get you any closer to where you want to go.....it’s so subjective and room dependent.

#1 for sure,

I have only 1 satisfactory listening room, and have an adequate system in my office. I want the best system I can afford in the main room. I just added a pair of Clayton Shaw Caladans, CODA S5.5 amp, and am having Aric Kimball build a Motherlode XL preamp……then will sell off my old gear.

Why not upgrade or spend the money on the main system. Instead of selling the used gear start a new system. This is literally how I was able to have a second system. As long as you want or need a second system. That being said I have only been listening to my main system. 

I’m selling the old gear to offset the cost of the gear I just bought