HOW DID YOU END UP WITH YOUR DREAM SYSTEM?

Well, best components that money can buy. For example, I put a dozen of the best reviewed resistors in a selector switch, and put it in place of the gain resistor. Then chose the best - it was nude Vishay, VAR series, hands down. So every resistor in the signal path is VAR, and that includes the volume control, which made the vc a bit pricey - about 1K - but it's way better than what you find in quarter million pres - IMO.

Air bearings in three dimensions from New Way - they call them thrust bushings. Couldn't buy the platter I wanted, so it was machined from a 13" cylinder of cast iron. Platter mat is 1" of charcoal; 45kg including the record weight.

I just decide on the maximum I can afford, and build to that. It's always been enough to buy the best components, even if I have to make them myself, like the caps.

I'm retired, so it's only time.

Through many years of purchases and upgrades. I don’t think you are ever really done, you just reach a level of satisfaction with what you have and the list of upgrades and wants is much less.

After 50+ years, I’m almost there.  I’ll be sure to let you know when I’m there.

Many years of listening to different systems . Attending axpona yearly as well.Three systems that really I end up basing my systems were the Borensen c1 set up and Wilson and Dan Agostino gear combo this year. At CEs Westin Hotel in Chicago it was the Austin Acoustic set up. All three set has the musicality and live performance.My systems needs a little upgrade to sound like the three systems I mentioned in a small set up I have.

Skhong 78 and Mike Lavigne system are also amazing systems that I heard that was uploaded by Skhong 78 in YouTube.My one set up sound more like Skhong78 my other set sound more like Mike Lavigne system in a very SMall way.Even on YouTube this two systems you can hear the greatness of this two systems.