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

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.