Recommended one make systems?


Man, do I love music! I am so thankful to have grown up in the South were just about everyone plays an instrument or sings. Being a part of those Saturday evening pack porch picking sessions, Sunday morning worship services, riverbank practice sessions...whatever....really ingrained a deep reverence and appreciation of music. Anyway, on to adulthood and only having time to myself late in the evenings to enjoy music. My present system just does not have the presence that live music has. But, then again, does anything?

What one make system really makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up? What gets your toes tapping? What stirs your soul? I've read tons of reviews from noted reviewers, but how do these one make systems compare in real life? I think I would like to try the Quad 909/99 CD-P2, Krell 400xi/SACD Standard, NAD M3/M5, NAIM NAIT 5i/CD5i, Ayre AX-7e/CX-7e or maybe even the Cambridge 840A/840C. Which systems have I missed that are head and shoulders above these? Granted, these would have to be used to fit my budget, but I am a patient man.
My present speakers are Quad 21L's, which may need replacing to bring out the beauty of these systems. Care to share your thoughts?

Thanks!
6stringsling
I reread my answer to this thread. A tad nasty. Sorry for that. Especially now as I'm considering an all Linn system after purchasing a Linn Genki. I really appreciate the sound and look of the components.
Did you ever come up with the all one brand system?
Well, sort of. I found a Quad 99 preamp and 909 amp and brought them home. Needless to say, I haven't been to these boards in about four months. I'm still using a NAD C542 CD player with pretty good results and the Quad 21L's remain in place. I am pining pretty badly for the Quad 99 CDP-2, as I believe that this will really be a large source improvement. The 99 pre's phono amp is strong... I sold my Bellari a few weeks after receiving the Quad gear. I'm also getting an itch for a pair of Quad electrostatics, but those my take a while to obtain. I'm using Kimber Kable interconnects and will hopefully get some Kimber 8TC soon. Has anyone had any experience with Kimber Kable looms? What else has worked well for you?