after reading the posts on this question, it just confirms to me that some just do not get it- musicality that is. I do not believe we hear different. I just believe we process the information different. for example, Mac gear is push/pull and there is no chance it is as musical as an. The same goes for levinson/naim even ayre. these brands are great value and sound great. they just are no way even close to the top musically. yes, they are musical to a point. I cannot state this more stongly because I know for a fact the an/lamm ect. lovers know exactly what I am saying and the others will say I'm an idiot. I believe that products either reach the highest musical levels or they do not. once there though, there are still differences between components that one will prefer over the others. Just because krell is way better for rap,rock,or dance, doesn't make it a musical amp now does is. Your answer to this question will put you on one side of this fence or the other.