We are all different in the way we approach our systems.
Take me as an example. I always start with the big picture and work on the details over time. How's that look?
I first imagine the end result.
For an ultimate reference system I picture me sitting in the sweet spot, a pair of big speakers in front, a dynamic Mahler symphony playing, the lights on low, and the sound unfettered and begging to be cranked up on high. Sonic bliss.
I then work backwards to my budget of how to get there, filling in the details to see if they fit the picture in my mind of the end result.
Or, perhaps my goal is a small and pleasing home system that will be used for everyday listening and playing new music.
Same routine of starting with the big picture.
Imagining the room, the circumstances for which I will be enjoying the music, and the end result of how I will feel.
I then work backwards to my budget of how to get there.
Others take an exact opposite approach. Start with the details and work up to the big picture: note the budget, list the potential candidates, research, audition, spend sometimes years assembling the system.
Is one approach better than the other?
I don't think so.
At the end of the day we have to simply be comfortable in our own skins as evidenced over time and our level of success or failure.
