He has $$ granted , he says things sometimes that are just an opinion
just because he doesnot like a product , Gryphon is his favorite ,which make great gear.
but to say Accuphase is way overpriced, and not that good too colored vs other products and Pass labs ok at best McIntosh even worse . Breaking it all down many times its tonal balance and system synergies. I have seen him use different gear or even a different power cord or cable ,being an ex Audio dealer ,I say first and foremost System synergies is much more important then $$ dollars spent for the best of a given product , Even audio reviewers I have read will use a specific different set of interconnects and then still compare a integrated or power amp,or sourse, and what they may or may like better.
to be totally objective Everything 100% needs to be the same or it’s not a fair comparison . I look for this all the time , even when I am testing gear of different price ranges and brands . It’s a must to give a totally honest viewpoint , if comparing cables then all electronics need to be the same. I just thought it’s an observation that many times can be overlooked.