I started my mid-fi journey with NAD, then Adcom. my hi-fi started when I added a CJ PV12-L for a preamp with the Adcom 5400. I have never heard depth in soundstage like that first listen. Always targeted the L-R soundstage but the CJ was 3D.
I regret giving it up, but it got noisy and balance was off. in hindsight, probably should have replaced all the tubes and would still have it feeding into a Rotel 1080- similar to the adcom, but slightly more coherent.
Following this thread because trying to decide if I can go back. New speakers are ML ESL-X, the motion XT60 did better with the Rogue Chronus integrated, but the ESL might prefer with the 200w Rotel. the Chronus has preamp outs, so going to try it out.