This is the result of a lot of reading and researching (as opposed to going to stores and auditioning) during a long recovery from surgery. It has evolved quite a bit while trying to A/B a couple of units and also a desire to upgrade. All in all, it was done in something of a vacuum and I would very much appreciate comments as to what I might want to try.

I listen to a truly eclectic and wide-ranging assortment of music: Jazz, fusion, funk, world, classical, alternative, electronica, blues, ambient, etc.

My goal has been to induce sonic hallucination...to really get to the point where I can sit back and feel and hear what I would if the musicians were there in front of me. Pace, rhythm, and dynamics are also critical as I listen to very rhythmic music with a lot of acoustic instruments. I also wanted some of the tube lushness and midrange so I went with the "tube brains and solid state brawn" approach.

I suspect that my speakers will be the next things to change (when I can once again afford to do so). I have liked the following speakers thus far: Wilson Benesch Discovery, Joseph Audio RM33si, Audio Physic Avanti III.

The weakest link is definitely between the CD Player and the preamp. I am embarrassed about what I am going to describe... A Chord DIN5 to RCA to Neutric XLR adapter. I am not convinced the chord interconnect is all that great to begin with (though it seems to be the nicest cable Naim dealers have in stock for those connecting to non-Naim gear) and with the ridiculous adapter nonsense it is killing my system.

There is nothing holy about what I think I have done and, like I said, it was done in something of a vacuum. So feel free to give your honest opinions regardless of what they are.

thanks in advance