As a longtime audiophile and music enthusiast, I feel that a “purist” system can be quite different for each person. I also believe that your audio listening preferences can and will change over time. If you listen to your system (or systems) often and enjoy it, you shouldn’t worry about it being purist. I started my audio journey in the late 1960s with a Fisher tube receiver, ElectroVoice speakers and a Garrard record changer (which I only used manually for 33s). By the mid 1970s I had moved to a solid state Sherwood receiver, Technics direct drive turntable and Sansui speakers. By the early 1980s I had moved to Stereophile approved equipment, including HarmanKardon Citation power and preamp, Rega turntable, and Fried speakers. By the 1990s I had B&K power amp, Musical Design tube preamp and Energy Pro22 Connoisseur speakers. Today it’s McIntosh 275 amp, McIntosh C2200 pre, Clearaudio table, Harbeth speakers etc. I’ve enjoyed each system throughout the years. It’s been a fun experience for the last 50 plus years and I still listen every day. So, how to start a purist audio system; listen to live music, listen to as much equipment as you can, then purchase what you enjoy can afford.