Passive Pre - No Regrets?

I've been very reluctant to consider any component change as being "better" until I have played many hours of music that I am very familiar with through the new addition and then back into the older gear. Sometimes it takes months to realize that "different" isn't better, just different. Invariably, it's better in some areas, worse in others and generally just different.

After many years of playing around with stuff, I now have to do all the comparisons like I always do, but I finally settle in and just let the stuff wash over me for several weeks without listening critically.

It's kinda like true love...if you have to work too hard to make it work, it ain't right. That's why I like Audiogon so much. Try to get a dealer to loan out gear for more than a couple of days when often times it takes a couple of months to come to terms with new stuff.

Factory direct with 30 day returns is the high end business model of the future.

Factory Direct with 30 Days is the only way to truly find the right piece, or by used on Audiogon, and if you don't like it sell for more or less the same price. I think this may take the thread in a different direction, but I think you make a good point about finding the right equipment for one's taste and matching equipment. I find it ridiculous to listen to a preamp at a dealer, try to evaluate it in a different room, with different speakers, different source, etc. What am I to make of the sound I'm hearing? It is impossible. I would rather rely on a consensus view of those on Audiogon that have tried the equipment, and then choose on that basis knowinf I can return or sell the equipment if it doesn't float my boat. The dealer experience just doesn't do it for me.

A consensus view on Audiogon? Even were there such a thing, I would not trust it either. In reality we are dependent on an extended group of friends whose views and ears we trust. Most of mine will not post on Audiogon or AudioAsylum.

Why do I post and monitor Audiogon and AA? Once in a while I learn something valuable and sense enthusiasm in a post on a new product that causes me to fully explore it. The Stealth Dream power cords are such an example.

Tbg, you are right. I guess I meant to say the "consensus" in my own mind that comes from filtering the various opinions of people who over time make sense to me. It is a good to have a dialogue with other enthusiast - the dealer experience has usually not been that informative - there have been some exceptions. I am greatful that someone built Audiogon.