The Reeses Cup: components that come together perf

I was hoping that this thread would illuminate to our community well-matched and synergistic components. I have received two private emails this week from Audigoners who are facing this problem and sought out my advise after being burned by their retail providers.

I personally have had very little interaction with the home consumer electronics market. I use pro studio gear, and love that there is an open exchange in this forum around products I rarely audition.

I feel that the dealer community deserves a reputation of poor customer retention due to continually serving up mis-matched components that speak more to profit margins and line extentions versus well matched components. This has been central to the dialogue I have been having with the two gentlemen this week--both are facing "salvage" versus "replace" decisions.

I believe that Audiofeil has a valid point that you were not open and honest on your financial interests. Certainly, like a wine retailer, you might "taste" many products in a course of the year, but you also must disclose you are a commercial entity.

PS: I do not have any financial ties to the above products. They are products I either own or have heard in friend's systems.

Keeping with the "smart ass" tone, Jgiacalo: which version of the Salmonella speakers do you own? :)

Personally, I like Benchmark DAC1 married with ATC actives. The thin sound of the DAC1 in the lower mids (compared to other digital sources) seem to mate well with ATC's. Detail is accentuated without any digital "harshness" although subjectively it makes the ATC's sound closer to horns.

Actually, I am surprised not to see more suggestions from the SET or OTL's + Horns camp....although Albert seems to be thinking horns.

Actually, I am surprised not to see more suggestions from the SET or OTL's + Horns camp....although Albert seems to be thinking horns.

Yes, horns for Natalie is correct. She told me she prefers single ended but I know once she has a taste of class A she'll come around.

Your thoughts betray you, or is that simply a lightsaber in your pocket?

You have to be careful around Natalie, remember she wants to be a "cleaner."