I've been buying and listening to hi-fi for a long time and I've been through a LOT of equipment. However, just recently I have experienced a very steep learning curve about the sound I actually like for long term musical enjoyment, enabled by trying a range of different speakers with my Marantz system (which, unlike some of the supposedly 'better' electronics I've had actually does allow me to hear these differences). The conclusion I have come to is that most modern hi-fi equipment (particularly, but not entirely limited to, speakers) just doesn't suit me and although I can be easily impressed by a system with slam, sparkle etc. etc. in a quick audition, the fast, attacking, 'exciting' sound which is so popular just tires me out over longer periods of time and I stop engaging with the music. I'm about to end up with some pretty unfashionable speakers (not in my signature) but they sound gorgeous with the Marantz and make music and that is what matters to me.
My point?
You are considering spending a significant amount of money. Take your time to really get to understand the sound you can live with - the sound which will bring you proper long-term enjoyment from your listening, rather than the immediate visceral thrill of being instantly impressed. This may involve giving very serious consideration to some equipment that has had 3 star reviews, or seemingly no reviews at all.
The Rega Elicit-R is a very capable amp. I heard it driving B&W CM8s. I'm not normally a big B&W fan, finding them quite un-natural sounding overall, but the Elicit-R really controlled the CM8s. It gripped them so well that they almost disappeared. It still wasn't a sound I could live with long-term for lengthy listening sessions, but it proved how talented the Rega is and it might just be the right amp for you.
I would echo Sir Lemon's advice to explore some of the other options out there. He mentions Sugden - a company that, IMO, makes some of the most gorgeous sounding hi-fi out there. One of my most immersive experiences was hearing an all-Sugden system playing Pink Floyd. It wasn't that immediately attention grabbing sort of sound, but the system kept me glued to the music with its natural and beautifully placed performance. I could have listened for hours. I had a similar experience hearing a Unison Research system with Opera speakers, Audio Note electronics with Audio Note speakers, and Vienna Acoustics speakers driven by T+A electronics.
By contrast I've been totally put off by hearing expensive Naim systems (with Naim's Ovator speakers) on several occasions, to the point where I've been unable to remain in the same room as them. I totally agree with you about the Naim sound. I've experienced the same feeling when subjected to a Burmester system of huge financial value.
Are you in the UK? Maybe you should try to get to the Bristol Hi-Fi Show in February. They aren't great occasions for critical listening or making decisions but it might help you to start identifying the sound that really gets you enjoying the music. Then get some extended dealer auditions booked so that you can really test some more focused system choices with your own music and at your own chosen volume levels. Then, once you've started to get hooked on one set-up, insist on a home demo over the period of a couple of days. Make it a couple of days where you can give over some proper time to some extended listening sessions. If the system really keeps you listening to and enjoying the music, buy it. If it doesn't, move on and try something else.
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