It was. They were like a continuum of discreetness of sounds / detail of the Luxman to more midrange bloom and musicality (really good rhythm and pace for a solid state) and authority (Pass), and finally warm , rich and natural The ARC). I would just fall into the ARC, close my eyes and get lost in the music. But I was trying to help a friend that was still to have a system with great authority and I felt that was best for him.