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"Does anybody sit in front of their relatively inexpensive but carefully assembled rig in an "active listening" session and think, "Damn, this sounds SO FRIGGIN' GREAT?" 

Yes, I do.

"......I often think…hmmm…my stuff sounds better…and, interestingly, it actually does."

So does mine. :)

+1, wolf_garcia.

J.

I have built my current system over the years with the help of reviews from TAS and Stereophile. I think the reviewers are spot on in their praise of the products which I have laterly acquired - Bryston 28B monos(HP/TAS)), VA The Music(JH/TAS)), Ayre K-5xeMP preamp(JA/S'phile) and Esoteric K-01(AT/TAS). 

Of course, coming to the Audiogon forums here for opinions is of tremendous benefit too. Guido's insights on the K-01 and The Music helped me put together a most wonderful system. It's coming to almost 8 years for the Brystons, 7 years for The Music, 3 years for the K-01 and 1 year for the Ayre pre, and I still love them all, even more today than their very first time in my home.

Nowadays, I still wait patiently for the latest issues of TAS and Stereophile, not because I am looking to upgrade but more because they simply make a good read to keep myself updated with current technologies and also yes, they do entertain in the way they describe sounds emanating from the components under review. And we all know how big those egos can go.

J. :)

Mesch,
That was very well said. 
J. :)

"Vienna Acoustics played its top-of-the-line $33k Klimt “The Music” 3.5-way floorstander driven byChord electronics. The combo produced a dark, rich, lovely sound, with good midrange presence and top-end brilliance. A little vague in imaging, a little exaggerated in the bass, and not the last word in transient speed, “The Music” was nonetheless enjoyable to listen to."
- Jonathan Valin's(TAS) report from the CES.  

The key word here is enjoyable, and yes, almost 7 years from the first day in my home, The Music speakers are still very enjoyable indeed.

Either she is not happy that she is not in a relationship with you(using reverse psychology to rationalise) or she can't appreciate the finer things in life like your car and most likely the audio too.......

Should we trust RH's ears? I would for now until my own ears get to savor all that has been described so far about MQA.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/from-the-editor-mqa-on-the-threshold/

J. :)

I guess it's all relative. I got lucky with The Music speakers at 33k. Could still be chasing the rainbow with much higher priced models from other makes. Loks like I am done forever with The Music.
:)

Taters,
Glad to know you find The Music speakers enjoyable too. 
J. :)

TAS must be listening.
The Feb issue covers a slew of very affordable quality components.