The message
from Ovenpaa contains these words:

The problem was coming here! Then I had this sudden urge to delve
into system upgrades and such. I am more interested in what an
ideal system would be and at what cost, and as such have not set a budget.

I really don't think there is such a thing as an ideal system, just many
possible fine systems. All the famous British hifi names are worth
investigating. To start with a bit of window shopping, you can look at
the recommended components in some mags, e.g. Hifi World, or even
Stereophile.

Richard Wall's advice applies: listen as widely as possible and don't
assume that new is better. If at all possible, visit a few dealers, and
work with the one who seems most helpful with advice and letting you
listen to a range of options, new and used.

When you've narrowed down your choices, ideally you should try to hear
what your short list sounds like in your own home. Assuming you are
serious about a purchase, a good dealer should be able to arrange this.
Have fun. There's no rush is there?

Assuming that you are happy with your power amp, I would suggest
upgrading your preamp to a valve based one. All this is also assuming
that you are able to sort out your speakers--looking at the discussion
on the other thread.

The speakers are active, so the amplifiers are built in.

Thanks, I should have realised that!