@lanx0003 I heard what I think was the Monitor Audio Platinum 300 a few years ago.  I thought it was very good indeed.  It was also something like $16K so above my price point at the time.  I've never listened to any of their other models but I would think it would be worth finding a dealer to give it a listen.

Since I retired, I usually don't "plan" to do much of anything. 

That being said, when it comes to my audio system, two things that recently became top of mind are fixing my room acoustics and buying new speakers.

I am pretty handy, so the room acoustics are a fun DIY project, but because brand new speakers are not in the budget now. That means that I will keep my eyes open, keep reading this forum and selected reviews and hope I can find something on the used market. 

To sell the roomful of audio equipment I have that is no longer used, and then put together enough money to make up the difference for the purchase of a pair of Clarysis Audio minuets and a Don Sachs / Lynn Olson designed Raven pre amp from Spatial Labs. 

2025 for me will be a move to a better streamer.  I am looking at the Innuous Zen MK3 or the Aurrender ACS10; I would like a CD ripping capability for I have several hundred CDs collected over about four decades, including some purchased in Europe at performances.  I may also upgrade my preamp from the Rogue Audio RP-7 to either the RP-9 or McIntosh C2800 as funds permit.  Other than that, I am quite pleased with the sound of my current system, which I have upgraded from my 1980s & 1990s system over the past three years.

This year, we should complete a move into a place where  I can have a larger dedicated listening room.  This will allow me to purchase larger speaker (perhaps Joseph Audio Perspectives) and enjoy the task of optimizing the room acoustics.  I currently listen in smaller dedicated room with a near field set up, so I am excited about a larger space.