Scott and Alberto make some very good points, so I won't beat a dead horse.
I would just like to address the pricing comments..
Shindo hand makes preamps starting at well less than $4k. The Aurieges-L represents an incredible 'bargain', if I may use that word, in the world of hand made audio equipment. There is much written by myself - and elsewhere - about what makes a Shindo a Shindo. Paired with a Montille or other quality amp, and you have an incredible music making system. Sure, the other products in the line-up are pricier. It's a full line up, soup to nuts.
A Vosne-Romanee isn't cheap but, nor is a Burmester(for example) $25k integrated amp. You could actually purchase a VR and Montille amp for about the same price. Shindo's Apetite integrated is less than 1/3 of that price. And it's a Shindo.
-M