I second the above post. The Audiopax room was one of my top 3 at CES/THE. It seemed to combine both musical and analytical qualities into one system, a very rare thing. I visited a couple times just to listen. I asked the rep what item I should buy to get my system to sound more like what I was hearing there, and he recommended the Pre. The pre and power amps have an adjustment called Timbre Lock, which is intended to match components together, so that you can dial in system synergy with a wide variety of components. If I didn't know any better, I'df say this sounds gimmicky or hoakey, but having heard the wonderful sound in that room, I instead have to say they really know what they're doing. I intend to audition the Audiopax pre soon (if I can stop shovelling snow!)