What are your goals from a high end system?

[djbnh]

I resonate best with the "toe-tapping" and "emotionally engaging" comments.

I find that tone, macro- and micro-detail, PRaT, soundstage width and depth, lack of noise, & voice and instrument placement all can add to my enjoyment. However, this weekend provided a number of examples of the opening sentence being a reality for my spouse, daughter, and self, and how the synergy of a system can facilitate the emotional engagement. Over the past 4 months I've  changed my amp and preamp, and with the inclusion of the latter piece there's been a facilitation of mind, body (including toes), soul, and music integrating in a  nexus: the music, and how I feel in experiencing it, is what's important. I love that my wife has similar feelings, that she and I are partnering in this journey together, and that she understands and appreciates music and my love of it, including the fun of an emotionally engaging home audio system.

Am I done? No, but I hope the DAC and phono preamp I'd like to get somewhere down the road help facilitate more of the same.