Round 1 goes (rather handily) to either or both the BAT 31SE and Aesthetix. To be fair, the deHavilland is brand spanking new and has not seen more than 20 mins of play time (though it was powered up for maybe 1-2 days). In jafox's system (CAT signature monos, clear audio analog source, Sound Lab spkrs) it was no contest.
Rather than make any serious sweeping conclusions, more listening is needed, esp once this thing has been played more. That's only fair. more to come.
Once I get the parsifals next week, i would love to have Peter and anyone else over....