Actually, it probably is not as impressive as it might apper.
My main system is :
1) Newform Research R645 speakers
2) AES SE-1 SET Amp with Separate external tube regulated Power Supply (currently using 300B's)
3) AES-3 DJH Preamp
4) Ah Tjoeb 400 tube CD Player
My soon to be 2nd (bedroom system) is:
1) M22Ti speakers
2) Cambridge CD-500SE CD Player
3) Consonance integrated 300B
My 2nd system I was able to put together for $1700 by buying from factory outlets (Axiom), Audiogon (Consonance Amp) and Demo's .