I don't believe it to be the best out there but I currently have a Luxman class A 590 paired with Verity Parsifal Encore speakers. Ayre dac and Mac mini. Also a vintage Yamaha tuner and vintage Yamaha turntable for fun. Variety of Nordost cables.
I've been all over the map for 20 years, but with the Luxman Verity combo, I no longer look at the classified ads. I might check on occasion to see what's changing in the market, but I'm never driven to upgrade. That's me, I'm home, you have to find what sounds best to your ears and your budget.
There is no best, but there is a certain mix of fear and ego that seems to drive some audio people. It's prevalent in all passions and adds to the richness.
On another note, my parents drove 1,000 miles to visit this summer. My dad asked me to look at his new SUV. He popped the trunk and there was all the McIntosh gear I grew up listening to. It's late 70's and early 80 SS but the thought and having it is just wonderful. There is some low volume hum, but once things get going the noise seems to disappear. It's probably not worth the restoration costs to bring it to bench standards, but the system brings back great memories!
