The Horror

Yes, today you will need to spend at least $20K on speakers to get large sound like you heard at the show. You can save a bit if you go with professional speakers from brands like Genelec, PMC, ATC, but have to give up nice furniture style appearance, though they commonly come with embedded power amplifiers. For analog electronic I would only choose between two brands: Luxman and Accuphase, and here you can save again buying few years old devices directly from Japan. I am not believer in cables and you will make more difference in sound by adding sound treatment in your room. I never was a fan of Magnepan and did not find even their biggest models sound compelling.

ap1….

I can certainly understand your not appreciating what Maggies can do for your personal listening pleasure. However, when you limit the entire universe of amps to just two brands, and also not hear any differences between cables, it kinda limits the strength of your arguments…  Just hoping that you’re finding pleasure with your rig, as that’s what it’s all about. Happy listening. 

@niskymichael

Accuphase and Luxman are two known brands which make FULL FEATURED control amplifiers. If you play vinyl - better get one WITH tone controls and rumble filter. Power amplifiers field is much broader and there you need to choose what is most compatible with your speakers. Cables do change sound, but I would never choose those which do (other than reducing noise level). I use tone controls, if I need to alter the sound.

@ap1 while you might be trying to be helpful, your advice above ($20k entry point, Luxman or Accuphase) is somewhat narrow and wide of the mark. The OP was seeking help understanding what about his setup was holding him back. Its the room combined with a buffet of gear which either does not have synergy with the room or with the other gear or both.

While there are many great speakers for the arbitrary budget you just established and while both Luxman and Accuphase are fine brands with excellent options in their lines, there are many others here who have heard both extensively and chosen other brands…and vice versa. To the OP, stay the course and address your room and acoustics…only then will you alone know appropriate next steps.

I for one have never gone to one of the big audio shows, probably for the same reason as the poster, I’m sure mt system would be woefully inadequate after hearing the megabuck systems put together by experts.

instead I have over the years put together a decent sounding system, going back to vinyl as my primary source. I still listen to CD’s and streaming but my three turntable, yes three, obsessive but different sounds that I enjoy  from each table, cartridge and phono preamp.

   Trust your ears, use room treatments as they help tremendously and sit down and listen. As others have said your components are ten times better than the Best Buy mass market stuff most people have.