Adding a Herron VTSP 3A/360 Preamplifier to the system.

Best kept secret in high end audio.

Glad you got that figured out.  I didn't realize your remote wasn't functioning properly.  Mine worked fine, I just didn't like the small form factor.

I have the same remote for my HL-1 that is used for the newer models. The remote frustrated me because sometimes it would work fine, sometimes not. I got new batteries and when I installed them I figured out the issue was the back cover wasn't holding the batteries tight enough. I slipped a piece of folded paper between the batteries and the cover and all is well.

But yeah, the remote is...unusual :)

Just sent my 360 back to Keith for the "reference" upgrade.  I have had all his preamps and the 360 ESP (soon to be reference) are really special.  It's my end point with the M2 mono blocks.

Gentlemen, I am totally transfixed by how music sounds here at home now. I guess my snap decision was a good one, actually way beyond good. It's brought my system to what I was hoping for all along.

It only took me 50 years, but I'm sure happy now.

I played a Telarc CD of Ronnie Earl "Beyond The Blue Door" last night, and played it twice. 

Music never sounded this good before.

REgards,

Dan