I think one brand systems are a great way to go (I used an all Linn system for about 20 years). I tried Conrad Johnson and McIntosh tube gear about 25 years ago, but just wasn't happy with their relative weaknesses in pace, rhythm and dynamics--beautiful tonality, but the music lost its life and energy. Products from Rega, Naim, and Linn were more to my liking. More recently, at the urging of a local dealer, I took home some Rogue tube gear to try out, but again, the music seemed to fall apart temporally to me.
One other brand not mentioned above that makes almost a complete system (no turntable) is Quad. I'm curious to hear what their lower-end (99 series) components sound like with one of their small, stand-mount speakers.
One other brand not mentioned above that makes almost a complete system (no turntable) is Quad. I'm curious to hear what their lower-end (99 series) components sound like with one of their small, stand-mount speakers.