Of all your gear, what piece impresses you most?

I think as we move forward, it is typically the latest addition that we like most. Perfectly reasonable, in my estimation.

I don't make that many changes over time and my system stays the same for 2 or 3 years before I try to get to the next level. My speakers and preamp are over 10 years old; the SACD player 3 years old; and the power amps a couple of years old.

With that preamble, my amps do impress me greatly, probably more than the other components. I did not think they would improve the sound as much as they did. I was wrong.

Lamm ML2.1 SETs

Regards,

Purchased a PBN groovemaster, with sme 312s tonearm, and I can't believe the increase in performance it gives me.

Knee-jerk reaction would be my Tannoys, but I've been a fanboy of them for a while now, so it's no surprise I love my current Canterbury SE; I expected to be impressed.

I'd say I've been most surprised & impressed by my preamp, the Rogue Audio Hera II. It's also surprised me twice: first when I got it (used) as an original I (almost 6 years ago), and then a couple years back when I had it upgraded to II status.

I bought the Hera on a leap of faith, and it was awesome; a hugely audible upgrade from the 99 Magnum (which itself is a nice pre). That started a big electronics/analog upgrade run in the rest of the system that's lasted years. At one time I was even set on swapping out to another excellent preamp, but ended up gravitating back to the Hera.

Agreeing with general consensus, my choice components are an equal integral part of the whole. Recently my amplifiers have decided to not work with the team (family) so they were relegated to stand in the corner....
...... which had not rectified their un-cooperation. Stay tuned...

My system all came together when I installed the Atmasphere Novacron monoblocks. But for that to happen the rest of the system had to be wonderful.

(Dealer disclaimer)