Don't know what James is going to say but I bought the 26 for several reasons; 1.) the options, balanced vs none, ability to power other components from the power supply. 2. It was a waste of a nice integrated just to use the pre-amp section of a B-60 especially when I wanted to set up a small system in another room. 3.) Is there a noticeable sonic difference between the B-6, B-16, B-26, can't say for now. However, over my years as an electronics tech, then engineer, then acoustician I have learned that often times small differences in the electronics/mechanics and build can produce some very noticeable differences in what one hears. Do I believe that there are significant differences between the three.....probably not, but spending a little more to extract a little more definition, clarity, soundstage is worth it to me. 4.) and the most important is ..I just wanted a B-26! Plus I'd rather decide how to redistribute my $$'s rather than have some entity do it for me....if you know what I mean. At any rate I'll certainly post my impressions of the B-26 and differences between it and the B-60.