first & last system

You can accomplish your goal and save a buttload of cash if you just get a wireless/bluetooth receiver and some cheap speakers, some of which you may consider eye candy.  they're out there.  I mean, really.  I don't mean to sound like a doosh, but why get at all that expensive equipment and just feed it with a phone?  makes no sense at all.   i'm not a streaming guy, but there's many here who are.  i'm sure they'll chime in.

I hear you loud and clear, but mentioned the phone as an example that I plan to focus exclusively on streaming and that's exactly the reason behind my post. For context, I've owned several system setups. Some 7 years ago I downgraded to a very sweet Marantz int-amp and a pair of not-so-nice B&W 600 series bookshelfs that work wonders with my phone. Was thinking now that perhaps something like a Naim would be perfect to improve the quality of the sound exponentially but I still want to look at it--even when off--and enjoy it. I know it may sound quite shallow to many, but some may understand.

@shtinkydog 

+1

What he said.

At least buy another phone so you can actually be mobile while leaving one in place. 

If you want good sound, typical proportioning between components will be about 30% speakers, 15% streamer (a separate box purpose built to stream), 15% DAC, 15% Preamp (yes, even if you do not have a turntable). And 15% amp. If you would like to save space it is OK to get an integrated amp… a combined preamp and amp… but budget 30% for it. You can’t buy just anything for the price. Each company has a different house sound.

MacIntosh is heavy on the mid range and bass… B&W is sparkly and heavy on bass, so if you like rock… then a good combo.

Other “good looking” and good sounding… depending on your tastes in sound and looks.

Pass, Audio Research, Sim Moon, and Presto, Conrad Johnson, and Luxman components. Less expensive NAD and Rotel.

For speakers, Sonus Faber, Focal, Wilson, and Magico. There are hundreds more, but these are some of the big players.

Also, almost no body gets it right the first time. Best to choose speakers first then match components. I like all kinds of music and am personally not a fan of Luxman and MacIntosh. But they have a huge following and are well made.

Willsenton R8 KT88 integrated tube amplifier and a pair of Tekton Moab speakers and an optional pair of subwoofers.