A few topics.
First, obviously, the Wilson people say that, "the Alexx won’t play as big, won’t throw the immense presentation, the scale, the muscle, etc, etc. The laws of physics are in full effect when you look at the physicality of the XLF." I wouldn't dispute that the XLF is bigger in sound as it is bigger physically, but if someone values accuracy/precision/focus, that is another matter. As I recall Fremer's review, he found the bass on the Alexx tighter, with the Alexx overall a more accurate speaker than the XLF. Fremer has a tiny room so the Alexx may be a better match.
Next, the PS Audio M1200. I was fascinated with Fremer's review, but I am held back because I don't like any euphonic aspect which could be from the tube input stage. Like kren0006, I read some user reviews that said it is somewhat warm and nonclinical. PS Audio does have a reputation for good accuracy with some euphonic character. Paul MacGowan states his reference is the 7th row center concert hall seat. I have spent lots of time in many seats in many halls, and will say that the 7th row is a very laid back sound compared to closer. Note that microphones are usually positioned at a distance corresponding to the 1st row, so someone who sits there can go home after the concert and listen to a recording and then get an idea of accuracy to the recording. I only like the 1st row, and even the 2nd row is quite rolled off in HF compared to that.
BTW, when someone says something is sterile and clinical, they are probably in the euphonic camp, since "clinical" and especially "sterile" has a negative connotation to them. But if we hear the same things, I would call it "accurate" and look favorably upon it. Their "sterile" is my "accurate." Too many audiophiles spend lots of time at shows and dealers, and not enough time with natural unamped live sound. They don't realize that live sound is quite raw at times, but all speakers and components add varying degrees of fuzzy warmth/veil/dullness.
I appreciate the time and investment that Jay puts into his pursuits and putting on a great show for us here, so I respect his decision not to buy stuff we are interested in, and compare to his gear. He has integrity not to engage in 30 or 60 day trials and then return the items. He has a reputation to protect. Even the more neutral stuff he likes, I would probably find somewhat euphonic. This happened with current Merrill GaN amps which we both heard at home, although he heard the flagship 118 and I heard the 114 which is of similar character, according to Merrill. At first, he found the Gryphon Mephisto to be ultra neutral, but then found that the latest Boulder was even more neutral. Then Mike at Suncoast Audio implied that the Boulder amps are smooth and maybe even tubelike compared to Soulution, which he described as more raw in character. This correlates with Jay's finding of the latest Boulder tonality as not sterile, unlike the prior series. All in all, my assessment of Jay's overall taste is middle of the road between detailed/accurate and tubelike/euphonic, perhaps slightly skewed toward detailed/accurate. My stand is at the furthest end of the spectrum at detailed/accurate. I have long experience listening and judging for myself, so I wouldn't learn much if I sent Jay anything.
I only mentioned the PS Audio lately to inna and perhaps others who would be interested in a reasonably accurate sound with a little warmth, at a very cheap price. Most people here are on a reasonable budget, don't buy/sell like Jay, so are free to do those 30/60 day trial offers. BTW, Fremer appears to have tastes much like Jay. His reference is a DartZeel amp, which he admits is warmer than the PS Audio. He loves Wilson speakers, but not electrostatics. He is an analog guy who likes detailed cartridges like Lyra, but finds ultra revealing cartridges like the Rega Apheta too raw for him. Those are his assessments, not mine, since I never heard any of those cartridges in my system.
Finally, Jay, I again think that you ought to at least try zip (lamp) cord, no. 16 or 18. Only a dollar or so, nothing to worry about. Steve of GTA confirmed that my zip cord was more lean/immediate/forward sounding and detailed than his speaker cables. I was there, and it took seconds for him to say so. In his system, he likes his cables, and he caters to his customers, most of whom like the same. I can envision a scenario where a client comes to you and says, "my system sounds dull, bass heavy/fat and rolled off in HF." You can delight him by recommending zip cord for speaker cable, which will make his system more lively. But of course, try it yourself to hear what it does. Yes, I know zip uses poor quality materials, and I don't know why it sounds so good in the ways I describe, but I just want practical results. You seem to have more of an open mind these days, which may be due to your developing consulting business and YT presence. Of course, if your client wants to show off expensive prestigious components and doesn't prioritize high performance which may be found at cheap prices, you know what to recommend.
