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

[omodo]

Tommy, I have Klipschorns with upgraded horns (V-trac), BMS 2" comp drivers and Beyma tweeters, with ALK ES networks, but am planning some new speakers around Altec 604s

Graham, unfortunately no demo or audition, I bought my Montille 2nd hand to see if the sound was for me, much like you mainly from reading online - here (Alberto's glowing reviews), Audiogon, the other AA, and the pitchperfect blog. I haven't heard the Aurieges or Monbrison, and took the much touted advice of purchasing the highest Shindo preamp you could afford (just). I bought mine new, so not the one on Audiogon from Australia, I looked into it but the actual history of the unit didn't match the sellers claims so decided to stay clear. As to the sound, I've had a few mid level commercial preamps and DIY preamps in my system over the years, but none of them really conveyed the emotion, or soul of the music, like the Shindo does