Mike,

I say I would choose a table besides the Rockport because of price concerns, and even that is only in my dreams. I am not in the market for any of these tables, but if I were, I imagine I would save money ($50,000) and go with the Walker or the SME. But I haven't heard them all, so maybe upon hearing them, I would be able to justify the extra amount of money spent.

There are actually quite a few audio components I would not buy without ever hearing them, no matter what the price. I will never buy another speaker that is not time and phase accurate for instance. In all honesty, many people have no choice but to buy audio components they haven't heard, simply because of where they live. I live in Utah, the only speakers you can listen to out here are Wilson and B&W, neither of which I could live with. I have had to do much research on the web and in magazines before I came to purchase what I have, and I am actually quite happy so far. I would love to be able to listen to everything before I buy it, but even then I would not feel I had a grasp on what they would sound like unless I had an extended listening period in my own home.

Anyway, I did not mean for my message to you to take any turns into the argumentative, I was complimenting you on your beautiful system. And a beautiful system it is.

lordcloud November 26, 2004 08:33

The only one of these I've had the pleasure of hearing was the SME with the Aesthetix phono preamp with two power supplies. It was a mind altering experience to say te least. I haven't gotten to hear the Sirius or the Walker as of yet. By the way Roy did give an answer as to his experience with the Sirius, it seems like he has had quite a bit of time with it. But since joining the local Audiophile Society I have realized that my idea of audio nirvana is very different from everyone else's. I have also learned that it takes far longer than the typical reviewer's amount of time with a component to ascertain what it actually sounds like, let alone the potential of a component. My system, although meager compared to most audiophiles, does some things better than any other I have heard. It is only because of my extensive time with my components, and almost maniacal attention to set up details that I was able to coax real music out of my system. I applaud your efforts to do the same with your system, and also your willingness to share that with the rest of our small but fanatical world.

lordcloud November 25, 2004 23:00

Seriously, You have to be one of, if not the luckiest Audiophile on this green Earth. I love your system, they are all components that I myself would choose, if I had the money. The only exception being the turntable. I know you are love your TT(I read your letter in Hi-Fi+, by the way it was sad that I knew who you were just by the listing of your components before I got to the name at the bottom), But I would probably go with the Walker, or the SME after actualy hearing one. But anyway, great system, and if I'm ever in your neck of the woods I won't take no for an answer, I'm spending the day listening!

lordcloud November 25, 2004 01:13