Clearaudio v. Teres

Larry,PLEASE,PLEASE comment on a 2.2 vs Shroeder Ref comparison,in your set-up when the time comes.You indicate you will get the Shroeder,but hold onto the Graham(if you can) for a valid comparison.

Dear Frank and Thomas,I sort of feel like an innocent bystander,intervening at an accident scene,where one auto driver is about to go at it with the other driver.I DO have the best intentions here,but would like to sort of mention,from my own point of view,that there is really NO reason for anyone(including you Frank)to get so upset.

Both of you guys seem to have generally good intentions,from previous postings,and from your general demeanors,but it has gotten a bit out of control,when hobbyists have to worry about being verbally spanked(by a manufacturer)if they say anything negative about said product.I ALWAYS feel self conscious of you,Frank,when I'm discussing arms,as I know you follow things closely,BUT,this is a hobbyist forum.Though I DO think you are a NICE GUY,I also feel you can be antagonistic,at times.Your initial sarcasm about my screen name,and the punctuation on the "O" of Shroder,hey I can't type,even to this day(I know you were jesting,but I didn't know it at the time),and the original bit with Graham( BOY,was he ever NICE in his reply) was really uncalled for,even though you appologized.Hey,I NOW know you are passionate about your products,and have come to appreciate this aspect of you,but I don't want to get paranoid,if I discuss your arm.You already know I'm fascinated by it,probably because it really is as good as some have stated.Of that I have no doubt!!

As for Thomas,he has(in a forum like this) the right to feel free to give opinions,but ONE SHOULD UNDERSTAND that we are ALL affecting the livelyhood of (generally) small manufacturers,who depend on good "word of mouth".This IS an important point,which I have come to understand,though Thomas is being hit a bit too hard here,IMO.And,I KNOW,at times I have a big mouth.Can't help that.Probably stems from childhood.I think I can blame my mother for that!

As for Larry,I've only been active on this forum for about 6 or 7 months,but he REALLY does seem to be about the nicest guy to post anything.I recently,was called vicious names by an incredibly immature poster who literally used my own screen name to impersonate me in phony responses.The reason for this was because I had asked a tube related question,and instead of being given a straight answer,was offered 2 tubes(which I NEVER showed any buying interest in)for 200 dollars each.None of these tubes were ever tested,or rated,but this 'Goner saw a potential quick sale,and showed his true self when I indicated he wasn't helping fellow hobbyists by offering unverified products, this way.

All in ALL,there are the "Bad Guys",like that "YUTZ",and the "Good Guys",like Frank,Thomas,and DEFINITELY CELLO.So,it's Saturday evening,now,lets all kick back,appreciate all we really have,and maybe crack open a good bottle of Reisling.I know I'm doing that tonight,during my 5 hr listening session!A Great Weekend To All of You!!

Frank,I'm not as honorable as you may suspect.I lied about the Reisling,and went for a Shiraz,instead.Though I pulled a late night listening session,'til 2 am.,and, had a ball,ALONE in my dedicated music room(my little version of "The Fortress Of Solitude").

One point,to those wanting to get more out of their systems."It's AMAZING how GOOD your set-up sounds,when you have a half bottle of wine,in you"!!A cheap tweak,too!

Thomas,I too feel the(incredibly intriguing)Shroder Ref is VERY pricey,however as Mr.S,himself,once said,on a different thread,"let someone else try to make one for less".I still feel that arm should sell(could sell)for less,but that isn't going to happen.Also,the only,and I mean ONLY way to know for sure is to try one in ONE'S OWN SET-UP!!Forget about seeing,and hearing one at a show,or even another owner's response.Unfortunately,at the high asking price,some may go for it,but if some kind of U.S. magazine review came out with a "RAVE" review I'll bet the sales would greatly increase.Not that it needs to,as it is hand made,slowly,I presume.

To me,and I'm only guessing,this arm is very carefully marketed,adding to the perception of clear superiority over the rest of the otherwise fine competition.Though I have been,and always will be in AWE of it's apparent lack of resonance,in design of the ingenious bearing.Too bad I'll never really get a chance to find out,as I'm prepared to put beans on the table for a few months,if I only REALLY knew how good it was!!