Nice write up. I can understand that you did not have much interest in listening to the digital gear...with so much great analog gear on hand
. What I am a little surprised at is the statement about how some 45rpm's can sound better than their tape brethren. Not sure how that is possible.
I also agree 100% that the room is the most important ( and in most people's experience, the most expensive) component, by far. Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting a ten million dollar room sited on an ocean bluff that was truly extraordinary. About 30' x50', this room was constructed over a five year period and had some of the most amazing acoustics I have ever heard...as it should for the $$. Unfortunately I was not allowed to take photos, but it definitely brought home the fact that the room is where the big money needs to be spent. ( Not that the rest of the gear was shabby in any way, lol).
The old saying....great room...less great gear= great sound----poor room, great gear=poor sound, is certainly always something to remember.