Sorry if I came across as thinking you were implying otherwise - I mentioned it merely for those who may not have been aware of the price difference. Obviously I could have chosen my words with greater care 
I'm sorry, Bill, forgive me. I didn't mean to come across as aggressively as was obviously the case. Being 2 hours overdue on pain meds does that to me sometimes.
That said, I *think* I understood your point, but since I believe most everyone is cognizant of the significant $$$ disparity between an old, highly used Macro-Reference and a new Spectron, it confused me. That's why I replied, but again, please accept my apologies for being so gruff.
For some reason they don't seem to get mentioned much - but they certainly look the goods and are at a reasonable price. The Omegastars are even cheaper at $1499 for 220W and are worth a look at IMHO. I seem to recall Frank thinks the difference over the Fet Valve is the sort of thing that takes a while to grow on you. If you want more power, you can always bridge them - but then you are looking at about $5000.00, including the bridging devices (they are $700 each and you need two of them), so adds up to not much less than a Spectron anyway. For what its worth, if you want something with grunt, I would consider auditioning Omegastar as an interim measure.
I don't believe I know anyone who's used AVA amps with SP Techs
yet, but it's certainly worth considering IMHO. I say "yet" because I know someone recently purchased a really nice used AVA amp in anticipation of taking delivery of a pair of Timepiece 3.0s, so maybe he'll share his experiences when the time comes.
Not sure what your point is Jim, because it didn't make sense to me, at least as an engineer, nor based on what I heard. I was only talking about the BEL's and Odysseys, both of which I know very well, not making a generalized statement. Guess I'll just step aside here, as it seems my experiences... well never mind 
Im really happy Lin is enjoying the Mini's and pleased for Bob, who is busy making some Christmas's very merry!
I'm sorry, Tom. As I explained above, I posted in pain (had shoulder surgery Thursday), and that was a mistake. I should not have taken the tone I did, and I apologize.
As to my point, though horribly put, I believe it has some credence. First, that my experience with the Symphonic Line amplifiers is relevant to your and others experiences with the Mono Extremes, and secondly that I wonder if the 1001s might not sound very differently in a listening environment away from Bob's work area. They may not, but given the conditions in Bob's shop, I believe my curiosity is justified.
I honestly mean no offense by either statement. My perceptions and experiences carry no more weight than yours, nor are they any more valid. Further, in no way am I saying - or even
implying - you didn't hear what you've described. I'm simply saying things might've been different - and you might have heard different things - had your audition occurred somewhere other than Bob's shop.
Again, I apologize for posting in such an agitated manner. Forgive me.
-Jim
