This system was upgraded over a period of eight years. The only futher change I plan to make is to upgrade the van den Hul phono cable that came with the SME to Nordost Tye. Otherwise very happy with the sound.
There is no history to the rug, but it did make a small difference to the sound - better sound staging. I listen to all musical types including Pop, Jazz and Classical. Don't use the Levinson CD Player much anymore, as I find the LP system much more involving. As you can see, I have a particular interest in Nakamichi cassette decks. I now own four (Dragon, MR-1, DR-1 and RX-505). Regards.