Thanks, Norman.
I appreciate your response. Citation made excellent equipment, I lusted after it for a long time.
The first piece of equipment I ever bought for myself was my Harman/Kardon (Citation's parent company) model 430 "Twin Toroidal Power" receiver at 14 years old. It cost me every bit of money I had saved at the time. It listed for more than $300, but I negotiated the salespeople down to $174, including tax. My mother was amazed at my negotiating ability. But I told them that was all the money I had, take it or leave it.
Years later, the same salesman I bought it from offered me $175 for it, which I didn't take.
I had the receiver for 13 years until it was stolen from my home, along with my Luxman PD-264 turntable, another piece of equipment that cost me every dollar I had when I bought it at 16. That receiver was great sounding and built like a tank.
But I lusted after that Citation equipment! (And McIntosh, too!)
Your friend's system is excellent as well, especially the Dual and Epi.
The older equipment was built very well, sounded great and pleased us all for the longest time. I was happier with "less" then and life was simpler. I don't know how I got on the audio merry-go-round, but I am so glad to be off of it.
And, as you also have discovered, I get more satisfaction listening with someone I care about than I ever did listening to the "Component of the Month" at all those audio club meetings I attended.
I wish you and your wife the best.
Jack