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@lanx0003 

One-way by ferry is more than a 10-hour trip. How do you manage the commuting part? Is there a flight option?

My commute was weekly!  There are frequent flights - these days it is a common weekend escape for Melbourne folk.  I had a cabbie who worked out my routine, picked me up on Monda morning for the airport, same on Friday evening.  Gave him two good fares to bookend his week! The company lent me a car in Hobart.  Long term airport parking was free, back then.  There was no frequent flyer lounge in Hobart, so we just helped ourselves from the bar in the manager's office.

Incidentally I noticed that Tasmania is entirely missing from the world map inlaid into the floor of Salt Lake City's airport so you are forgiven for thinking there would be no flights there!

just a hard won observation, even with the simple 3 microphone Decca Tree, the first alteration of the event is microphone selection…very quickly followed by tree placement, Carry on !

@rvpiano so very glad for you !

Thanks!

I’ve just initiated one of the best fixes I’ve ever done.  I swapped my Benchmark DAC 3B for the Benchmark DAC3 HGC with a volume control function on it.  I’ve never had a volume remote control before.  I’ve always had to get up and down to change volume (due to the fact that I have an upgraded vintage 1990’s preamp.).   
What a difference!  Every recording has a unique dynamic character.  Now I can effortlessly change the sound to fit the performance.

@rvpiano This is awesome. Congrats. Remote volume is a great thing, as everything we listen to has a different output level from one other. I know you experimented with bypassing your CJ preamp (going passive) and preferring the preamp. Your dac is a very good preamp, with gain, so I am wondering if you will try and bypass the CJ again, going direct from the dac into the power amp. By doing this, you will eliminate the CJ line gain stage, a 2nd volume control (that of the CJ). and one less pair of interconnects. The gain settings on the dac are numerous (internally adjustable) so I am not suggesting stressing over it.....but I would, again, eliminate the CJ for a bit, and use the dac as a preamp straight into the AHB2. For phono listening, you would connect the tape out (rec out) of the CJ, into an analog input of the dac, using the CJ as a phono preamp. I am terribly sorry for bringing any of this up, but this is what I would do....I am a terrible person....In the meantime, enjoy! My best, MrD. 

@mrdecibel 

First of all, you are certainly NOT a terrible person.  You’ve certainly been a very helpful person to me. 
Believe it or not I’ve been getting some incredible advice from ChatGPT.  It was that AI source that suggested I obtain the new Benchmark DAC with remote audio capacity.  AND, they outlined the best use of the volume control on the preamp. They suggested that I turn the volume control way up on the CJ to between 2 and 3 o’clock thereby getting the best sound from the high quality tubed preamp. Then, adjust the Benchmark DAC accordingly. The results are wonderful.  Best sound I’ve yet gotten.