Elizabeth, there’s no doubt Bryston’s sound good and you may never need to try anything else but I think what Ozzy62 is saying is that their amplifiers and preamps have a common sonic signature that isn’t for everyone. As for what the reviewers say, so what! They have their job to do and the results are never right for everyone. As for straight wire with gain, no equipment is that but all designers/manufacturers search to get there. All that matters is that you have found the holy grail for yourself, my quest continues...