Ted, if your comment about being "shocked" wasn't said in a joking or sarcastic mood, keep in mind that an audio board is around to dispense accurate information when technical issues arise and not simply to be congenial and congratulatory. When observations are made, although with all sincerity, that don't even have a connection with the amplification process(e.g., "soundstage")it has to be suspected that all variables, especially volume, weren't held equal or that some wishful hearing was also involved. Similar statements made prior to the double blind part of tests have collapsed once the name plates and price tags have been concealed.

A recent article in The Audio Critic was linked in replying to a DBT question and very briefly summarizes some basic truths about audio electronics which are also relevant here: "Electronic Signals Paths Do Not Have a Personality!" .

-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.