This system has been going through an evolution since 2000.I wanted to reduce my investment in this hobby.And to a degree,I have accomplished what I set out to do (roughly $1500/per part).I have trimmed down the system.The Z-Systems RDP and Citypulse DAC now reside in another "bedroom" system using the Winsome Labs Mouse/Rebuilt Radio Shack-Lineaum PRO LX-10s.The analog front end has been going through changes,as I search for a replacement for the Allaerts which failed after about a year plus.My cartridge evaluations have made me quite aware of the synergy possible with the "correct cart/arm/phono amp combination.The EMT is very balanced,yet still breaking in.No complaints on the digital.While it probably won't beat an analog set-up,its' performance is comparable to most digital front ends.It allows hours of listening pleasure without fatigue.As for cables,I have used nothing but Omega Mikro since I was first exposed to it in 1996.Others have come and gone without touching the delicate balance of qualities exhibited by the InSound/Omega Mikro cables.The Planar Analog VII is that stunning-no perceivable "cable" signature.The arrival of the InSound/Omega Mikro Gallo monitors have opened my eyes to a new performance standard.They are easily conveying more information than any speaker that I have had in-house {CLS,Yankee FPR-72,VSA VR-6 or Wisdom and AP Virgo}.These speakers present a stable 9 ohm impedance with 90db effiency..Even bass freaks have complemented the sysyem.Amplification is provided by the PrimaLuna PL-2 with upgraded tube set:Shuguang triple-muca 12ax7,La Radio Technique french military triple-mica 12au7(labeled Cifte) and the stock chinese KT-88s.I have a quad of the Anniversary Shuguangs in house,but have not evaluated them yet.This combination has yielded a large soundstage with excellent imaging.The system is capable of great finesse concerning the attack,sustain and decay of the musical signal.The Cd tweeks:Mikrosmooth and Ionoclast have refined the digital recordings to a degree that ,it is no longer a "step-child".The 2" platforms have produced an added sense of body and harmonic timbre.The Walker E-SSt appears to be the perfect topping for this particular "cake".Adding spatial cues and air.It even seems to lower the noise floor and give the bass added "life"/immediacy.

IMHO:I find it difficult to completely recreate a musical event ocurring in a three-dimensional space with the same transient and harmonic truths.Certain aspects can be achieved,but it is a game of juggling.