What has been your most satisfying component?

Audio Research LS-3 preamp...
solid, transparent, performs well w/ SS or tube gear.

The JRDG Consonance preamp w/phono- for approximately $3500 with the line-stage upgrade and sorbothane treatment which came a bit later (stereophile never acknowleged the new mod even though they gave a very favorable review to the original preamp). a very quiet/great sounding AND inexpensive mm/mc phono stage ($300) which i never felt the need to replace, was included. AND, with the new line-stage module ($450) there was easily a 25% improvement in the transparency of the piece. even after experimenting with some fancier preamps much later on, there was improvement in some areas, but the Consonance still sounded great. i see these going for $1000 on audiogon and i just have to smile a little- this was THE FIRST REMOTE CONTROL PREAMP ON THE HI-END MARKET, and the remote is still one of the best i've seen (200 volume steps, one at a time or 10 at a time), a big chunk of metal with phase, record out switching, mono, virtually everything is on there. inside the preamp you can set input and output impedence, plus a whole lot more YOURSELF without tools or solder. IMHO it's pretty special.

Stood the test of time? That's pretty scary.
When looking at my current system I'm almost ashamed to admit that the only component that has been in my system for over two years is an original Shunyata Hydra.

So I guess I can't really say that anything has stood the test of time. I guess that's what happens when you combine my AADD with my OCD, you get AADDOCD. Hey, I'm what keeps AudiogoN in business (not to mention Fed Ex). :)

The bright side? I don't have to take photos and post links to my system. Since the photo and description would be obsolete before the 4-8 hour wait for moderator approval on a new post. :)

As for most satisfying component, I would say my ZYX UNIverse phono cartridge. I've had that almost 15 months (a lifetime for me), and I have no urge to upgrade (at this second). :)

John

I just acquired another Pass Aleph P, after having sold an original version right at 3 yrs ago. This is one of the last made (2/00) w/remote & it sounds better than I remember. I had the first one about 3 1/2 yrs. & only sold it to try other gear. I think this one will be a keeper regardless of other changes down the road.

my brain and my ears (is that 2 components ?). i don't need a component or stereo system to enjoy music.