I love large-scale classical (and the Mahler 6). Here's a basic system that should give you everything you desire (including natural timbres from top to bottom):
Marantz SA11-S2 SACD/CD ~$3500 new (may be hard to find used right now)
Cary SLP-05 preamp (~$4500 used)
Cary CAD-211 monoblocks (~$8000 used)
Vandersteen Quattro speakers (~$4500 used)
Run everything balanced (oops - didn't include cables in cost).
I have this set-up except I have Vandy 3A Sigs - the Quattro's are too big for my small room).
Marantz SA11-S2 SACD/CD ~$3500 new (may be hard to find used right now)
Cary SLP-05 preamp (~$4500 used)
Cary CAD-211 monoblocks (~$8000 used)
Vandersteen Quattro speakers (~$4500 used)
Run everything balanced (oops - didn't include cables in cost).
I have this set-up except I have Vandy 3A Sigs - the Quattro's are too big for my small room).