My big rig is very complicated but I have been trying out a very simple set up this week. Last night I had one of those goose bump moment listening to Joan Baez singing Scottish airs back in the 60s. My set up was turntable to SET amp to single driver speakers. I always liked her singing but I am now in love with her voice. I can understand why my wife's uncle used to drive hundreds of miles to listen to her. There is something good going on in this set up but I can't quite articulate it. I guess I will just have to listen some more and more and more....
I kinda have the same thing going on. My main rig is a Marantz SA-11 to (new) Supratek preamp to 845 SET monoblocks to GMA C3 speakers (3-way, 1st order network, time & phase coherent) with REL sub as well. This setup is pretty magical and I can't say I've heard anything better (EXCEPT for good vinyl with SET which, yes, just does have something that no digital does, I have to admit).
I have a 2nd system for 'play' which had Zu Druids which I liked, for the most part, but just sold. It is a MiniMax CDP with (new) Melody 300B SET integrated and (new) single-driver speakers (Audio Nirvana 8" drivers in BR enclosure).
I've had several amps through this system, SET, digital, and PP, always liked the SETs best. The new Melody and new speakers arrive this week. I am betting that I can get very close to the big rig sound here for a lot less money and complexity.