I would think that the CAT SL-1 (any model) would have to be in just about anyone's top ten. The CAT just eclipses everything else I have heard, especially if you do your own tube rolling to match the rest of your system. Yes Avguygeorge, I will stand up and be counted. Bass extension, midrange presence, soundstage, dynamics, transparency, smoothness. I just don't see how it can get much better than this. But, my mind is still open and while I haven't heard everything mentioned in this thread, IMO, some of the suggestions just don't compare. I understand listening evaluations are subjective, so don't get mad at me guys.