Jeff Rowland

"Yes, it's a system, but each component can impact the overall signature of the sound. "

True, but I'm not sure if you understood the point I was trying to make. Each component does impact the overall signature of the sound. However, you can put a component in the system that takes away from the others. Going back to my Rowland example, when I put it in the system, it doesn't allow the other components to do things they normally do.

Zd542,
My JR 525 replaced a Parasound A21. Prior to purchasing the 525, I had in my system, a Bryston 4bsst2, Ayre integrated, and a JR 125. To my ears and in my system the, with the exception of the bass, the Jeff Rowland 125 was the most musical. I decided to get the 525 based on my evaluation of the JR 125.

Ricred1,

I believe every word you are saying. I just used my Rowland as an example of how things can go wrong when you least expect it. If you chose your Rowland because you liked it best, then you made the right choice. I still keep my Rowland, even though its not currently being used, because it does do things that no other amp I've heard at any price, or design does. Equipment matching is not bashing. Sometimes good components don't work well together.

Zd542,
I know your not bashing...my point is that I "try" to evaluate components in my system. I continue to say, "there are no absolutes in audio only preferences."

That's what I figured, but I just wanted to make sure you didn't take offence to any of my comments.