Is it possible to get Hi-end sound ??

Tan43 I didn't go nearly as far with you on the fish, but I had several tanks and backed off to one. It became too much work and not fun. Got into audio and spent more than I needed to. Still spending...

I am curious about those MBL speakers. Are they really among the best there are? And you forgot to mention that the first thing you would have to get to accomodate that system is a big house. As for Audio Research electronics, I suspect there is something better, both tube and SS.

Realhifi...you missed my point. I don't mean to imply my stuff sounds as refined as 200K worth of gear, just that a MUCH more modest system can sound amazing in one's own home if properly set up, thereby providing some serious enjoyment. My listening room isn't big enough for Q5s to open up anyway, thus saving me 50 grand! Also...I doubt seriously that people with mega buck systems are having more fun than those of us who prefer to assemble a well thought out system within fiscal boundaries, as the laws of "diminishing returns" seem to rule in audio. I bet if I won millions in the lottery I would be too antsy to enjoy any system much, as it seems that among those with stupid luck the first thing to leave them are previously valued simple pleasures (I read that somewhere).

Yes, if you put the biggest portion of your money (that you have set aside for hifi) towards the speakers and preamp, it will lay a good foundation. To pursue this hobby with vigor you will need money and lots of it, there are exceptions like for an audiophile that has very good experience with matching various speakers and components to reach an outcome that is high end regardless of cost. When you do assemble a system don't let anyone convince you there is better because that might put you on that frustrating ride called the merry-go-round but believe your ears. How frustrating can it be for an audiophile who has spent one hundred thousand dollars on his system to find out that the guy down the street spent half that and it sounds as good or nearly as good.