[Marbles]

AVATAR - My 12 year old daughter didn't like it 

ETR, my digital system is done..no weakness's that I can hear, so I no longer listen to it analytically.

My analog system is different.  It has weakness's I hear, a pebble in my shoe, I can't enjoy the music as much from feeling that pebble (metaphorically speaking).  Once you get your system where you're happy and hear no weakness's, your brain switches from listening critically to listening for pleasure/relaxation or whatever you're listening for.

Put another way..I plan no further upgrades or changes to my digital front end or anything in the system after it, so I'm not listening and thinking what I SHOULD change....I just listen and enjoy.

As for dropping down in system components, it's hard to put the toothpaste back into the tube..but, I think I could be VERY happy with pretty much an all Odyssey system (except source) with the Candella tube pre and Lorellie speakers as the heart of it.  Those speakers just suck you into the music..not the most accurate, but DAMN pleasing.

[Scott F.]

..... I think I could be VERY happy with pretty much an all Odyssey system (except source) with the Candella tube pre and Lorellie speakers as the heart of it.  Those speakers just suck you into the music..not the most accurate, but DAMN pleasing.

AMEN 

[The_KiD]

I think it all boils down to tolerence and expectation.. I have owned numerous highend components with both quality digital and analog front ends and can appreciate the quality and personalities of both. I have also owned all tube and solid state gear. I always longed for the sound of a great album on vinyl but I just do not have the time to properly clean records for each play. Also owing an all tube amp and getting the tube combination right is always a challenge. Although I enjoyed my tube rolling days, I prefer having a single pair of tubes to worry about.

My experience and evolution in this hobby has gotten me to a Hybrid Unico SE Integrated Amp, and a very analog sounding DAC which supports my Squeezebox 3 and my Top Loading CEC TL-5100 CD transport and things are very musical.. It also has kept me off the classifieds on Audiogon and spending more time buying music..

KiD