I'm not really doubting anyones comments, but they're just all over the place. So many things contribute to the sound of an audio system it can be very difficult to sort out. Not only that, when you take something like imaging, every piece in the system plays a part. Everything depends on system matching and understanding how all the components fit and work together. If you want to be successful and have a great sounding system, you absolutely must do so using a systems approach. Its not good enough to just pick a good amp and a good pair of speakers. To do it right, you need to have a picture of what the entire system will be upon completion. That doesn't mean you have to buy everything all at once, but just be confident as to where the system is going to end up.
Just to clarify I'll give an example. If you read these threads, most of the people looking for advice will say something like "I have Speaker A, can someone recommend an amp that will go well with them?" Theres nothing wrong with that, but I don't feel thats the best way to go about it. If you are serious about putting together a great system it would be far better to listen as many systems as you can and then pick something you like the sound of as a whole. Once you do that, its easy. Then you can just stay focused on the most important thing; the end result. Doesn't mean you have to copy the system exactly (although you can if you want to), but component selection becomes much easier when you know the type of sound you strive for.
Just to clarify I'll give an example. If you read these threads, most of the people looking for advice will say something like "I have Speaker A, can someone recommend an amp that will go well with them?" Theres nothing wrong with that, but I don't feel thats the best way to go about it. If you are serious about putting together a great system it would be far better to listen as many systems as you can and then pick something you like the sound of as a whole. Once you do that, its easy. Then you can just stay focused on the most important thing; the end result. Doesn't mean you have to copy the system exactly (although you can if you want to), but component selection becomes much easier when you know the type of sound you strive for.