I don't have the best equipment, nor the priciest beans, however on most days I end up with an exceptional (to me) result, good crema, great taste balance, terrific smell.
I can't replicate this result all the time though, no matter how repetitive my preparation is.
I realize this question...
I have experimented carefully and this is what I have concluded:
Grinding your beans and letting it rest for minimum 20 minutes gives you more flavor and aroma than brewing right away.
Right after grinding there is considerably less aroma; perhaps the micro-heat and cellular trauma stresses...