OK, have mixed responses. You are right, apples and oranges. Both are good at what they do. I'm looking for something with an accurate image. This system will comprise of a Prima Luna pre-amp, modified Proceed Amp2 (normally they sound very bright, but I've gotten rid of that and the highs are very smooth), and still banging around what CD player to use. I'm leaning toward the Thiels though. I listened to them on a Hovland preamp and they came alive!