I am *also* could cry I am so happy :-)

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by Rilands

Alberto,
Honestly, I never thought you'd get back to where you were several months back when you started selling off that last great system. You must of done your homework and made some very good decisions. I'm glad to hear your not having any remorse and all has been so successful for you. I'm sure many of us have some equipment we wish we never let go. I know I do.
Congratulations.

Mike,

It was a combination of homework, well-informed and well-intentioned friendly advice ... and a LOT of luck.

My previous pre+amp+speakers (C220, MC501, SF Guarneri Homage) sounded delicious – but it took a lot of work to get them to that point. Months and years of major tweaks (e.g. room treatment) and minor tweaks (e.g. warm-sounding cables.) And I still had issues with lack of deliciousness on some recordings and when listening at lower volume. Go back one year and you'll see me mentioning the need for tone controls or loudness in a lot of thread.

My previous system sounded delicious with about 70% of the recordings and came "alive" at relatively higher volume - closer to 80dbs than 70dbs ... a bit too loud for longer listening sessions.

I had noticed that my little Bottlehead SET amp sounded intoxicatingly delicious on all recordings and at all volumes, that's one of the reasons I decided to go the low power amp + high efficiency speakers route.

I know - as a fact - that I would not have landed where I did were it not for the help, suggestions and discussions on this forum. Very specifically, I would not have the Tannoy speakers if it wasn't for Serge (PHC1) and Stephen gently, but persuasively and with tenacity, turned my attention toward Shindo. But everybody helped with their advice, opinions and non-judgemental attitude. Neither Shindo nor Tannoy are brands that our esteemed host sells (or that anyone advertises here) but I continued to feel welcomed and appreciated even though I went from an all McIntosh + Sonus Faber system (one of the most popular combinations here) to McIntosh + Shindo + Tannoy.

That's what makes AA special. That's why I active on this forum more than anywhere else.

Alberto

PS I still have quite a few McIntosh components - more than any other brand: MDA1000, MCD201, MC250, C34V, MR80 and Mac1700 - and no intention to sell any of them. So, yes, I am still a big McIntosh fan!