This is very much like saying "some of my best friends are XXXX." Insulting at best.

enjoy
-akhilesh

Given the exteme difficulty, bordering on futility, of trying to correlate what we hear with what we know how to measure so far, perhaps it would be more fruitful to ask how we would *characterize* the differences, looking at it qualitatively, which is how we appreciate reproduced music in the first place.

As to my system, not surprisingly, since I'm the US distributor for Audio Note, it's all AN. What might be surprising is that I got involved with AN professionally because of the huge effect that purchasing a few used AN pieces had on my system and listening experience.

Anyway, I listen to a Voyd 'table (predecessor to the TT Three), AN 1S arm and usually an IO moving coil cartridge through an AN transformer into an M3 pre-amp. Amps are Quest Silver mono 300B's driving E/SE Silver speakers. Cabling is all AN silver of various levels. On the digital side, I'm waiting for the first of the new CDT2/II transports, which will be paired with a DAC3.1x Balanced.

I'll be building an AN Preamp Kit shortly, (hopefully in time for the Spring New England Valve Fest), and will be building a one-off 2A3 amp using AN parts which will have a dual choked power supply and interstage transformers. 1/2 a 6SN7 per channel input - a stage less than usual to reduce noise as my next speakers will be AN Lexus Signatures - 98dB/w/m efficient w/outboard due to cap size) crossovers.

It continues to amaze me how well the description of amp charactaristics can be described and shared with a keyboard. Since 'they' don't know what makes an amp sound good, I think we need to step up and become 'them' *AND* find a reasonable answer.

This referal to this mystical 'They' who don't want to make efficient cars, or durable ones, or self maintainable ones...being one of 'Them' is OK so long as I do a better job.
regards,
Dogulas

You've got closely related pieces in the area. Mark M. has E/L's and I think has acquired a pair of Conquests which will demo triode magic in contrast to the merely very good tube amp that his Kit 2 amp is. Not sure what he uses for a pre-amp.

I might have to coordinate sending a transport and pre to one of your meets . . . .

I know it isn't always easy to audition some of the things we discuss here, but really, I'm not sure that there is any alternative. That's why I suggest that folks just take the plunge and give things a try. The best way to know how something well something does is to experience it for yourself. I love having the sound take people's breath away, and watching a silence come over a conversation-filled room when the music starts to play.

There is quite a buzz on many different levels right now. Lots of people are talking about coming and bringing their equipment, some that are manufacturers or dealers representing a particular product. We may have to roll this into a spring or summer event. It's getting really cool...