$100,000 line stage

+++ grannyring. Well said. I have friends who have no problem paying $300-$400 for a bottle of wine but question my $1500 amplifier. We have figured a compromise; they bring the wine and I provide the music and all is good. 

Here's the thing. If someone built a 10 million dollar passenger car, someone would buy it. I am not knocking anybody buying this level of stereo. In fact, I think in Asia countries, Audio gets really high. I was just taken aback by the price. Many knock the audio rags for reviewing high priced components. Personally, I like the reviews plus many of those makers produce affordable gear as well. But, $100 k for a preamp is high end that one does not see everyday. 

The philosophy and business model of AudioNote UK is interesting and is well illustrated by this recent profile
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2017/08/12/audio-note-uk-factory-tours-and-life-in-the-fast-lane-with...

I think of them more as in the tradition of bespoke hand made artisanship and they are by no means the most expensive or exclusive, consider Dalby Audio Design, an even more extreme and expensive outfit

Thanks for the link. If I were a high paid athlete, I would be all over this stuff

Well perhaps the take away from that review is, how important a good preamplifier is. This piece is often just an afterthought.