I've been in this crazy but wonderful hobby now for years. I've been thru my share of ups and downs, but finally, everything is starting to come together nicely.

My room is 15 x 19 and has coffered ceilings (8' tall) and wall-to-wall carpeting. I use four, 14" diameter, 4'6" tall ASC Tube Traps in the front of my room between the speakers to improve the staging. Specifically, the Tube Traps really strengthened the center imaging and and added a realistic feel to the stage. I also use Sonex to catch the first reflections from the side walls.

The three most important things to me sonically are:

1) tonality - I can't stand thin or bright sounding systems, nor can I take bloated or fat sounding systems.

2) full range - I have to have full extension in the top, and especially in the bottom for the foundation to be right.

3) musicality - it's simple what diference does it make if you have the most detailed system or the most accurate soundstage, etc, if it doesn't sound like the real thing?

What I'd like to hear now is more of a relaxed musicality. Not that I don't already, but I want to hear more texture, weight and color. I've heard many positive things about the Purist Audio Dominus power cord, and they all suggest that this is what I'll get. I believe that the CRL 'Gold' power cord that I have on my Bybee power conditioner and my amp is close to ideal, but I'd like to try the Dominus power cord on my digital.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd have to conservatively rate my system as an 8 (not bad, huh?). Remember though, those last 2 points are what we're all trying to achieve, and they're hard to come by. I've heard some $100,000+ systems that don't do much better. Then again, I've heard $100,000+ systems that do. It's all about being honest with yourself, and learning how to trust your own hearing. Everyone in audio has opinions. Don't get caught up in the gear and loose track of the music. My advise, if it sounds good to you, then it's right.

Although I didn't have an opportunity to attend the CES last year, I have regularly attended this great event for the past 10 or so years. Every time I go, I am not only able to hear the latest and greatest, but more importantly, meet the designers and the manufactures who build all this stuff. This is a must do trip for anyone halfway interested in Audio (and Video as well). Great fun..good people!

Happy Listening and enjoy the hobby.