One thing I loved to do was to venture to San Diego and visit Stereo Design. Take my music and go in the stupidly expensive, I will never be able to afford this stuff room, play my music and sit back and hear how it really is supposed to sound.
I've been a customer and friend for so long that they just let me go in and play whatever I liked.
So, what I tell people that want to move to the "high end", take your favorite music and go listen on the best system you can find. That way, you will hear basically how it was supposed to sound. Some people say this is a mistake and it will ruin your ear for your equipment, but I don't buy that logic.
I want to know what I'm trying to get to.
so, for these $250k amps and any other equipment, more power to them. I've heard his amps and equipment and they are top notch.
I may not be able to afford them but that doesn't stop me from appreciating the work.
Now, since Stereo Design has finally closed after many decades, I have found Randy in Santa Monica. The Vandersteen 7 speakers, Vandersteen amps, or Audio Research REF 250SE amps, REF 10 pre-amp, REF 10 phono, stupidly expensive basis turntable and I absolutely love it.
so, enjoy