The BEST system you've ever built !!!!

What I mean, Albert and Tubegroover, is that Albert's system has the nature of a federation: a union or formation of groups (here: interlinked components) by agreement of each member to subordinate its power to that of the central authority in common affairs (here: the Aesthetix IO/ Callisto, the conjoined 300 pound authority in affairs). With my reverence and admiration, Albert, you have built a system so perfectly structured that it might serve as a model for some future utopian philosopher to use when thinking up a perfect state. Anyway, underlying the "federative" metaphor was also the idea that a man that can build an audio system like yours would act judiciously in political life and maybe make a good politican or clergyman. I have noticed how Albert's role in many forums has been that of (to use another metaphor) a "shepherd," trying to keep the wayward sheep of the flock from straying or the wilder ones from fighting with one another. Call it a metaphor, but I like metaphors better than purely aristo-metric (maybe even aristocratic) terms like "the BEST."

Very eloquently stated Slawney and I agree.

Thanks Slawney and Tubegroover. I am actually not very political. My actions are conservative, in that I believe every voice has a right to a turn. And Liberal, in that I try not to judge what each person has to say, particularly if I lack experience on the subject. It comes to basic courtesy, everyone needs to be treated with a bit of respect, I try to do this while holding firm to my own experiences. I have noticed that when a fight breaks out at Audiogon, it is usually because someone got their feelings hurt. Pretty much a normal human reaction. Thanks for the compliment on my equipment, I wish more people could visit me and hear my system. Oddly enough, I have four (new) regular visitors who now come for music night, I became acquainted with all of them through Audiogon! All these people are dedicated audiophiles and fun to be with. My wife (I think) is hoping that it does not turn into a mob. It is fun though.

There are countless ways to put together a musical system. This system works for me ... > BAT VK-60 mono-block amps > BAT VK-50SE Pre-amp > CEC TL-1X CD Transport > Audio Logic 2400 DAC > Vandersteen 5 Speakers > Transparent Ultra Bi-Cable Speaker Cables > Transparent Reference Interconnects > Transparent Reference AES/EBU Digital Interconnect Good Listening!!

I have found this thread to be very positive on the whole and was warmly reflecting on Albert's last remarks about having friends over for a music sessions. That's what it is about for me. That combination of comradie, drink-food and music is a joy for me. My friends deserve all the credit for bringing over and sharing recordings that have enriched my life. Without their music knowledge, their relentless search for rare brilliant performances, and their willingness to share, this whole experience would have been much less for me. I see this theme as an underlining critical ingredient in many Audiogon threads. Nice to see and I enjoy that! Albert's other comment about respect for others is right-on, and I wish I would see this practiced more often on this site. Still, I do prefer real feelings, opinions and comments to restrained meaningless dribble. Some strong opinions will cause some misunderstandings and ruffled feathers. It's amusing actually. I been told a personal music "find" I shared was a "real dog", and heard from my best friends "I can't believe you like that". I admit to lot of poor taste, guilty pleasures, and lived to laugh about it. Hopefully, we are learning from each other and enjoying the journey.