VAC PHI 2.0 or CTC Blowtorch or...

Hi Guidocorona- your last paragraph nails it- very well stated!

The madness is fun! My 2.0 was delayed a few days as they were waiting for a part to arrive. Kevin is a fanatic and his attention to detail can be frustrating- but worth it in the end :-) When I spoke to him at the HE 2005 show in NYC in April, my 2.0 was supposed to ship in 2 weeks- hmmmm. In the end I know he builds the best product he can at no expense to time constraints. The Phi series is something special IMO and offers everything I'm looking for: Made in USA, top build and sound quality, and outstanding customer service. I'm hopeful the 2.0 will meet or exceed my expectations once again. I'll try to provide and update as soon as it arrives.........

Jafox: Thank you (and everyone) for your suggestions.
I'm hesitant about the JL3s for four, subjective, reasons.
1. They are almost as expensive as a pair of MBL 9008s. I've heard the 9008s drive the 101s and, simply put, they are a great match.
2. I can try the H2O without much risk (I can only lose a few hundred dollars for shipping, etc.) but if I buy used or new JL3s and don't really like them; I'm stuck with them. I don't like to purchase gear that I haven't heard in my system.
3. I've heard the JL3s on U-1s and found the bass control to be somewhat lacking (a Rowland 302 in the same system really tightened things up).
4. One reviewer on AA owned a 101E / JL3 system and stated that he could only confortably attain 95dB in his room. This could have been a room issue but it could also have been an amp/speaker issue. He didn't keep this system.

Exlibris:

1 & 2: I fully can relate to.
3: When I heard the CAT JL-2 vs. Atma-Sphere MA1's driving the U1's, the MA1's had more bass presence than the JL-2. A bass adjustment on the U1's back panel alleviated this such that there was no longer a bass issue at all. With my A1's, I have the bass setting as flat and I have no wanting of bass as well. I suspect the bass here is more extended, authoritative and coherent with the rest of the frequency range than the cone woofers in the MBL's.
4: Check out the following link and read what Ken Stevens writes here:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1099200096

Exlibris: FYI, the faceplate on the CDSD WAS changed on the newer model but the only difference that you might notice is the finish. The new one has a satin finish and the older one has a more shiny finish.
Frank

Thanks Frankg.