Thanks for asking about me. I always respond to posts on my own system thread but admit I have not followed the forums as I once did.
Anyone who looks at Audiogon ads know I fell in love with Allnic sound nearly 10 years ago and now represent them. For that reason I frequently avoid conversation about other brands although there are a lot of excellent pieces on the market today.
In many ways there are more great choices now than ever before, and at every price level. The problem is figuring out which combination will result in good sound.
I think pretty much everyone knows the room and speakers are the two main factors. Many of the other choices are an effort to balance the outcome.
I have not read comments as much lately but in the past a lot of high end systems (even at audio shows) were drastically tipped up in the high frequencies and presentation in your face. I’m uncomfortable with that, I want to be fixed on the music, not thinking about what the equipment is doing.
Digital was always a problem for me, over the years I tolerated it but really didn’t connect emotionally. Only after Allnic developed the D-5000 DHT (Direct Heater Triode) did I get excited about digital sound. The clincher was the addition of the Aurender W20 music server which I absolutely love.
I also have the Bricasti M1 SE. It’s not quite as warm as the Allnic DHT but a beautiful piece with very low noise and excellent tonal balance. So some things in this hobby represent true progress even if it takes thirty five years to achieve it.
