Orpheus10, for the last thirty years or so, I have had a system that is by, most standards, pretty complex: air bearing tonearm, big tt with separate ps, flywheel, etc., tubes, crazy-inefficient speakers (Stax). I have always enjoyed the "gear" side of the hobby, and have dabbled with modifications, hardwiring, etc. My system sounds great and serves the music very well; which is my priority.
But, I confess that as I get older (55), I am more and more intrigued by the idea of a simpler system along the lines of a 300B-based high-efficiency speaker system; something that will occupy less space and requires less futzing. I have heard some 300B/high efficiency systems that sound fantastic. As Rrog points out, they do some things very well, but have their limitations. Very true, but I have heard few systems that I cannot say that about, and that brings us to the issue of sonic priorities. For me, simple, well matched triode tubes/high efficiency speakers can convey a purity and directness of musical purpose that simply pushes a lot of the right buttons for me. There can be a sense of clarity that is very appealing. I don't just mean clarity in the sense of being able to hear all the usual audiophile things, but a clarity of musical line, interaction between players, subtle dynamic shadings, etc. They may have some trouble with rock, fusion jazz, but with acoustic jazz by smallish ensembles, they can be fantastic. There simply seems to be less "stuff" getting in the way on the way from the LP grooves (or cd) and my ears. Knowing what I do about your musical tastes, I would not be too quick to abandon the idea.
But, I confess that as I get older (55), I am more and more intrigued by the idea of a simpler system along the lines of a 300B-based high-efficiency speaker system; something that will occupy less space and requires less futzing. I have heard some 300B/high efficiency systems that sound fantastic. As Rrog points out, they do some things very well, but have their limitations. Very true, but I have heard few systems that I cannot say that about, and that brings us to the issue of sonic priorities. For me, simple, well matched triode tubes/high efficiency speakers can convey a purity and directness of musical purpose that simply pushes a lot of the right buttons for me. There can be a sense of clarity that is very appealing. I don't just mean clarity in the sense of being able to hear all the usual audiophile things, but a clarity of musical line, interaction between players, subtle dynamic shadings, etc. They may have some trouble with rock, fusion jazz, but with acoustic jazz by smallish ensembles, they can be fantastic. There simply seems to be less "stuff" getting in the way on the way from the LP grooves (or cd) and my ears. Knowing what I do about your musical tastes, I would not be too quick to abandon the idea.