The Horror

@tvad Jim Smith’s book is a good recommendation.

Magnepans were the only speakers I bought on the spot when I heard them, which in hindsight was a big mistake. I never had the room needed to set them up right like I heard them when I bought them.

The shop was Audition in Birmingham AL in the late 80s. The owner of that shop which had the reference setup for Magnepans was, drum roll…… Jim Smith himself! The Maggie’s were set up about two thirds of the way into the room well away from side walls and closer to center. Who can do that at home?
 

Also they are very power hungry so not just any amp will do.

@erik_squires 

Geeze, dude, “troll”?  Give me a f’ing break already.  I could not have “ lost track of what a full-bodied system sounds like” since I’d never  heard it until  I was pummeled with it at The Show.  That was the point of my post.  You’re displeased because I had the sickening realization that there are major differences in what money buys you in this hobby.  Read Plato’s Cave, ok?  The blinders are off.  It may take me a few moments to deal with it.  Alright?  I’m a grown-up,  and I know it takes an occasional slap in the face.  What I am thankful for are those here who’ve been through it and lived to tell the tale.  Thanks for sharing.

@erik_squires + 1 - most of the rooms I've been at at audio shows try to compensate for poor room treatment with more volume. Louder will almost always sound better if it's not distorting. For me, having to hear Diana Krall or Nora Jones at regular volume is bad enough....  

You’re displeased because I had the sickening realization that there are major differences in what money buys you in this hobby.

Not even a little displeased. More like, surprised that you had any sort of revelation at a trade show. You’ve also come to very different conclusions than I have, so again, surprised, but if you want to be unhappy about your life choices I’m not about to get in your way.

Your original post, and this one, are very emotional but also very generic. What system would you say caused you to have such an epiphany? What speakers and system, how was the room set up, what did you hear and what are the actual sound characteristics you feel now you are missing?

As I read your original post, and the one above, what you seem to most be upset about is not being able to spend as much as you want to.  That's not the same as not being able to have a certain musical experience.

But like I said, I'm not about to get in your way of your tears.  Let them all out.

@roxy54 

You know, Roxy, I think you’re right,  the non-audiophiles in my life were always astounded when they heard my system. That helped a lot to give me succor and the  illusion that all was well.  That, and the sweat work and money I put into it, of course.  I was proud of my rig.  But I was living in my own bubble, and though I did audition the Maggies, mostly everything else I bought without demo, based on reviews, and reputation, certainly brand.  Not what I’m recommending  going forward.  As many here have stated many times, it’s different in your room. I guess, what I’m realizing is I’m getting a bit more experienced now, more knowledge, as someone here noted.  But it bites to learn the hard way.