.
Stereo5, the kids paying their rent and buying food is an important thing. If they come over and rake the leaves and cut the grass, that's a very nice present also. However, all things being equal, if a friend or family member should show up at my door with an Audio Research Reference Reference 5SE gift wrapped, I believe I'd be just as happy as you'd be having your leaves raked. Of course, yours would be the better gift, since the sound of raked leaves would be live....and I'd only be listening to recordings through my preamp. Also, the audiophile gifting is not limited to your kids. Spouses, friends and other family members certainly qualify to give an audiophile gift.
.
Stereo5, the kids paying their rent and buying food is an important thing. If they come over and rake the leaves and cut the grass, that's a very nice present also. However, all things being equal, if a friend or family member should show up at my door with an Audio Research Reference Reference 5SE gift wrapped, I believe I'd be just as happy as you'd be having your leaves raked. Of course, yours would be the better gift, since the sound of raked leaves would be live....and I'd only be listening to recordings through my preamp. Also, the audiophile gifting is not limited to your kids. Spouses, friends and other family members certainly qualify to give an audiophile gift.
.