The short version:

I am trying to create as high-quality high-fidelity sound system possible within the given dimensions of 16 3/8”(w) X 12 1/4”(h) X 14 1/2”(d), and an accommodating budget.

For reasons petty, albeit important.

The long version:

I have a raison d’etre. I recently reconfigured my sound system when I upgraded my TV, and added another Sony shelf-stereo system. After building the new entertainment system, installing and wiring up all the components, I realized the sound quality was very poor. I double checked my wiring, did as much troubleshooting as I could then finally decided to seek help from an authoritative source. I posted the details of my configuration (both before and after upgrading) to r/audiophiles hoping for some keen insight as to what the problem might be.

I was immediately and completely inundated with a chorus of snobbery and derision. I felt like a toddler tossed into a room full of pit bulls.

Now I’m very proud of my sound system, as I’ve slowly collected these shelf stereo systems over the last 20 years, and have meticulously crafted the entertainment center in which they sit to master-craftsman-like tolerances. The superlative cable management alone would cause an OCD afflicted individual to collapse in pure ecstasy.

But it offended the sophisticated sensibilities of the audiophiles to no end.

I ended up solving my distortion issue, with less than no help from the audiophile community. And now she sounds absolutely angelic! But I want more. I need more. For I have a raison d’etre:

I need a sound system that is beyond superlative. I need to create a speaker/amp system that produces sound so pure, so clear, so immaculately refined that hearing it would drive those stuck-up audiophiles to smash their highbrow premium systems to pieces while weeping bitter tears of shame.

For all intents and purposes, my budget is an open budget. The only constraints are the space: (see dimensions in short version).

The system would run as stand-alone, and input would be from a 3.5mm aux from a desktop PC with a Creative Labs Audigy FX V2 high resolution sound card processing the audio output.

Ladies and gentlemen, I humbly ask: Will you help me?