best preamp ever - cost is no object

Sirspeeedy, i did hear the Ayon Spheris at CES along with their amps, the Lumen White speakers, and the Blue Pearl tt.

hard to comment specifically on the preamp, but overall the system sounded very good.....in a slightly 'golden' way. lot'sa tubes sounds like lot'sa tubes.

i did go back twice to the room because i really enjoyed it; the second time they were using the Messinger preamp; which did make the system sound slightly more neutral and fast.

Where does the top of the line Pass Labs X.02 preamp fall into this mix? Is it a player among the elite preamps? Has anyone heard this preamp?

Mike, I was only "ribbing you",about the Ayon pre-:)Yet it looks to be the kind of unit we will hear more about.Supposedly a stunning design.As to the Messenger,I wonder why it gets so little press,anymore.That one was originally slated to be a worldbeater.

Best!

What about the Conrad Johnson ART? Anyon ever heard it?

My friend owns,and loves it.He has a wonderful system,and this pre is one reason why.