Passive Pre - No Regrets?

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.