Little Brotha,
During my travels, I've learned to be open minded to diversity in components regardless of their place of origin - in my mind some countries merely specialize in certain aspects of musicality more so then others, case in point as you brought up CDPs, the best sounding ones I've heard to date were designed in France - here I'm talking YBA - Metronome and Micromega higher end products, many of which never made it stateside due to designers here stressing to their dealer network that demanded to be the only brand of players carried, or they would withdraw their entire inventory for said dealerships - weird one late is that one of my dealer associates mentioned they were no longer carrying Nordost, as the company doesn't wish to have its cabling loom tested side by side with other brands........., what's that about?, or they worried that listeners would find a cheaper cable more musically correct!, go figure.
As I recalled telling you awhile back, I no longer post as much as I did during the early years, where I'd could be found on forums in HK - Malaysia - England - Canada, as a means of learning more and more about imports, as I believe that to gain more insight into something coming from foreign shores, you've ask those from its place of origin, much like you'd ask an American about Maggie's, most at some point in their life's have set down to demo a pair - so in that sense why would I then ask an Asian about their sonic merits.
But in said period, I'd encounter 1 or 2 whom felt as if I was trying to steal their glory or spotlight if you will, and took offense to the American or Yankee whom had gained a few followers whom would write me personally asking for solid recommendations, as they understood my ears and trusted me with said recommendations - and more often then not have stayed in contact with me over the years, now that to me is what this should be all about..........., caring enough to share ones " truths " as they relate to worthwhile components that actually are capable of playing notes/tunes/music much much much better then some of the costlier items dealer would've us to believe are the ****..........., not i, my ears/senses tell me there's more to any of it then merely relying on ones past glories or reputation when their current lines have lost that sense of how does one put it " magic ".
Granted we all hear diffently - but that's a great thing, otherwise we'd all have the exact same systems throughout would we not?, and how boring would that be?, but there are moments in life where one stumbles upon something affordable that plays with the big boys at their own game........., and at times is actually more musical in ways that should count to music lovers, more so then aspiring audiophile types whom merely like collecting every variant on this or that design before the previous version was fully broken in, it was out the door.
I believe in sharing my passion for the music side of this hobby, and then the equipment capable of playing it back properly to those in their late 20s, 30s and 40s, as anyone at or over 50 should've it all worked out by now - but those younger cats need better guidelines based upon hard cold facts of reality based then upon ones whom have heard the majority of the stuff out there, and have a better feel for what's worthy of educating them on as a means of making wise investments in their systems as well as themselves - as great sound in ones home creates a sense of peace and harmony where very little else matters except you're happy to run home after work instead of being in the streets doing dumb ****, and tell your girlfriends or wives I'm in home, or would you rather I be wasting money and time elsewhere?, this is a justified reason for owning a nice system........., this is the reason I'm here, to add insight/logic to those few that need the truth, based once again upon ones experiences as opposed to relying on rating in some magazine - hell I put my last Hi-Fi + down in 2010, as I has felt I had reached a point where I knew enough to build a system that spoke volumes to my inner being in such a manner I no longer wished to buy this or that month after month and take time understanding what I had before me, and then find ways to make it sound more musical, if there's such a thing?.
Byron you've been one of the bright spots in my life, as our Brotherhood reached deeper then some oceans on Mother Earth, as much like my wife you try to instill a belief in humanity and self that's refreshing to the soul, and no matter where life takes us.........., that Brotherhood shall always be close at hand and heartfelt.
So as Mi Brotha has said..........., the iFi products as well as the best sounding/matched cables for your system are vital, lest you enjoy buying new **** every 4 - 9 months?, settle into your system, give it time to show you it's worth........., but more importantly get out and listen to pieces whenever possible?, as buying blind in some cases, isn't wise.
And one of the main advantages us older cats have over you young'ens is a keener sense of logic - wisdom - experience and earned time on the Planet.........., making sensible choices leads to a long life in itself, where ignorance can only lead to an early death, or a life of regret that you didn't select the Red Pill offered in the Matrix.
I'll take reality every time.........., those that chose to dream?, dream on.
And, yes I'm aware if what all off topic, so sue me for being a tad bit mouthy with Ya.
Take care guys.
scar the Grouch ( well, not really ).
( just chilling, and enjoyin' da tunes man ).
But don't wax off :lmao: