Tobias has got it right. I think what happens to a lot of folks relatively new to the audiophile game is that they get seduced by the detailed sound of a few of the best CDs through a very detailed system, and then are horrified to discover (over time) that a lot of good material suddenly sounds lousy, and even unlistenable.
It doesn't have to be that way. As you listen to potential new gear, however, you have to become very conscious of the issue of listening fatigue, and how well a system brings out the best in even mediocre recordings. Trust your ears first, not a salesperson's (or Audiogoners' advice), unless you're satisfied that whomever it is shares your listening goals. (Personally, I would particularly cautious with that is described as "accurate" or "neutral." Those terms are misused or overused with some regularity, and sometimes can be translated to mean "bright" and "fatiguing.")
A number of us have been on the search for a compromise system for some time. Just look around on Audiogon...you'll find this issue discussed and debated fairly regularly. You'll likely at least get some ideas of some gear you might want to sample. Then, trust your ears.
It doesn't have to be that way. As you listen to potential new gear, however, you have to become very conscious of the issue of listening fatigue, and how well a system brings out the best in even mediocre recordings. Trust your ears first, not a salesperson's (or Audiogoners' advice), unless you're satisfied that whomever it is shares your listening goals. (Personally, I would particularly cautious with that is described as "accurate" or "neutral." Those terms are misused or overused with some regularity, and sometimes can be translated to mean "bright" and "fatiguing.")
A number of us have been on the search for a compromise system for some time. Just look around on Audiogon...you'll find this issue discussed and debated fairly regularly. You'll likely at least get some ideas of some gear you might want to sample. Then, trust your ears.