Of all your gear, what piece impresses you most?

Tough choice, since I like all of the components in my current system. Sort of like one of the Commandments from "Animal Farm": "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". I can fairly easily choose my favorite two components, however: my VPI Classic 3 / 12.7 tonearm combo, and my Vandersteen 3A Signature speakers.

The cost.

We all acknowledge every component is important for overall system success. Staying within the  theme of this thread I'll say my SET amplifiers in a "photo finish" win over my line stage.

My B&W 683 3-way loudspeakers !!

I think as we move forward, it is typically the latest addition that we like most. Perfectly reasonable, in my estimation.

I don't make that many changes over time and my system stays the same for 2 or 3 years before I try to get to the next level. My speakers and preamp are over 10 years old; the SACD player 3 years old; and the power amps a couple of years old.

With that preamble, my amps do impress me greatly, probably more than the other components. I did not think they would improve the sound as much as they did. I was wrong.

Lamm ML2.1 SETs

Regards,