Have I been slow to catch on or what...

You have already begun, as you are here at Audiogon. I think you will almost always get answers that are from the heart. I realize that even a long and varied post is not a review, at least not in the format presented by a magazine. Much of the results are the same though, good solid base of knowledge, and Audiogon has one very clear advantage over the paper version. If you have a question, no need to wait and hope that your product will be covered in the next issue (a month away/a year away?) If you have any doubts or questions concerning a particular product, you are free to disagree or ask exactly what was meant. It becomes nearly instant gratification, and reactions from people who have spent their hard earned cash where their ears are. Most have nothing to gain from taking time to offer their comments, except the satisfaction of sharing.