Why did you purchase the equipment you have and what do you like most about it?

Having been retired nearly 5 years, I decided late last year to acquire the final pieces of my “End Game” system. I auditioned both speakers and integrated amplifiers from local Seattle area dealers. Online research had already put my finalists Dynaudio Confidence 20 speakers and the Luxman 509Z Integrated amplifier on my short list, but the auditions sealed the deal. I also decided to invest in a quality audio rack and settled on the pricey but aesthetically pleasing Solidsteel H-5. The cherry on top was adding a pair of REL T-5X subs earlier this year. A major deciding factor with these choices is how they would work in my very confined listening space. I was very happy to purchase these items from local dealers and they rewarded me with discounts and excellent customer service. I was also able to trade in my old equipment on the amp and speakers. After nearly 50 years in this hobby, I can finally say I have achieved sonic contentment. The music has always come first for me with sound quality a close second. 
 

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11787

Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 new foundation amps and Ultra Masterbuilt internal cabling.  I've heard maybe 1000 audio systems at shows, dealers and homes.  The Ultra 9 and 11s were magical with my LPs and CDs rendering the performers in front of their mics as mastered (classical and jazz acoustic music).  Coupled with superior dispersion, sit, stand, lay down and 90% of the center seat sound is heard, with a wide seating area.  I heard four other earlier versions and my friend's VR35 export.  I can't afford the Ultras but purchased the best version of a then 8 year old SOTA speaker.  So satisfying.  Agreed to purchase prior hearing them, auditioned with my nearly future pre-amp (Lampizator Horizon DAC, older EAR 912 pre), future amps (Westminster Labs REI) and a Lumin streamer.  The dynamics of that combo was absolutely stunning, as real as live acoustical performances.  

i was ready to upgrade from using my ht for. i had been surfing forums talking about the used market. took a look. 

bought my speakers first. im a jbl fanboy so i searched for what was near my budget. i found a pair of l890s nearby. loved the look. bought them unheard. the guy selling them had a room full of speakers and other gear. like easily 8 different speakers. i figured id be ok.

and for sure, the best speakers ive ever owned. authoritive tight bass, lush mids and smooth highs. ive had them for about 6-7 years. buying 2 of the matching subs was a game changer. i look forward to listening to them every moment i get.

my pre, i took a chance on as well. it was actually a vintage jbl prepro, sdp3. i bought because, jbl. i didn't know what to expect but it turned to be a fab piece for me. hard to put words to. 

i matched it to an audiosource model 3 amp, bought primarily because it was 150wpc and $150. it definitely does the job. i liked it so much i bought 2 more. 1 went to biamping my towers, the other is a spare.

i  bought a schiit modi 3e and saga+ when the prepro acted up. hell it was nearly 25 yrs old. the prepro really sounds better than the schiit stack, doh.

i inherited a marantz 2215b and had it restored. it's nice. not even enough ass to push my towers. 

i dont have upgrade money at the moment. id have to spend at least 5k+ to do better than what i have for speakers. ive listened to the possible candidates. working on jbl hdi3800s.