$25k vs $200k

Boy Warren, you're going to alienate yourself from half the agon community with this thread.

The scenario you present is certainly not always the case but yes it is rather easily attainable. Well, maybe not easy.

But it requires much time, dedication, and perhaps most of all knowing what works and what doesn't thru much trial and error.

-John

Warren, I however did NOT return home to enjoying my system any LESS, or feeling it was SUB-SINGER!

Frank, would you believe the last time I was at Singer was to hear the Micros, as well? Tiny room, I know. Not enough room to really let those babies breathe, but still, I loved 'em. Later, I heard the Jmlab Altos with some serious electronics, and was able to come home to my baby, without a problem. I begged, but I couldn't get him to play the Grandes. It would cost me the price of the Micros, I'm sure, to get a listen.

I've said it many times, I know...and that's that "It all comes down to BALANCE!"
I've worked in 4 ultra high end salons, as well as 2 audio/video chain stores (higher end ones at that). And in that time I've come to realize that MUCH OF THE TIME, systems are either "down", in a constant state of "change" and fluctuation of gear combo's, and/or are "ill-set up" to begin with!
Many many many times the gear in an audio showroom is NOT MAXIMIZED, or the stuff just doesn't go well together. I've 2channel complete systems consisting of Wilson Watt Puppies, driven by Krell or Audio Research, Nero, whatever, with some high end digital front end and Class A preamp combo, all running over $80K dollar wise (2 channel) SOUNDING AWEFUL!!! Actually, this is quite common. Then, in the same store, you could have a small Theil system that's so well balanced and cohesive, that it's just WORKING!
Still, with the right combo of high end gear, properly set up and dialed in, you can pull away from the lesser system, no problem.

Warren, take a look at this thread from earlier this year.