Sutherland Direct Line Stage preamp


I've been finding myself interested in the Sutherland Direct Line Stage preamp, but I've also got a few concerns. Is it crazy to think about dropping $3,000 on a product made by a company that has essentially one dealer? I read and hear lots about Ron Sutherland's phono preamps, but not much at all about the line stage. Is there an obvius reason for this? Are folks who are looking to buy a $3k pre looking elsewhere? Thanks for any input on this.
hodu
I have nothing but praise for the PHD.I replaced the batteries once in the two years of trouble free listening I have had with this unit.I would seriously like to audition the Direct line stage with the PHD in my system,and this is where the problem about one dealer/source for the Sutherland surfaces.