Hi 711smilin: I have to chime in here to give a different perspective on the sound of Brian's system with the U1's. This system has the biggest dynamic contrasts and highest resolution of a system that I have heard....especially when you drop in the CAT amps. Brian's sonic priorities here are very evident. On a number of tracks that he played for me, we really had his system creating quite the "boogie" factor. Talk about a lot of fun and musical enjoyment. But I have to admit with the Blowtorch, I liked the Atmasphere MA1 amps the most to drive his U1's. On some music, this really created quite a different musical attachment for me.
I tend to like more of a full and rich lower midrange and for this I can give up the other strengths of a system for these traits. And this is why I tried to sneak in a vote for the Aesthetix while Brian was not looking. But the Blowtorch, like the CAT Ultimate line stage, does some sonic magic in a few areas I wish the Aesthetix did. I would think the Blowtorch would be an awesome match with SET amps driving the SL speakers.
We all have to bounce between neutral, natural, emotional (aren't we all emotional here!), resolving, etc., when it comes down to the final sound of our system. And the more we get to know the priorities of others here, just as with the case of reviewers, the more we can put their comments and recommendations into perspective.
John