Retro: In regard to how long does it take to assess a piece of gear, I consider myself to be a "quick study" and I assume that many others are as well. I am also not an audiophile by any means. I spent 30 years listening to and playing live music and I have been at this hobby for 30 years as well (with a big vacation in the middle of it). If I am familiar with the associated equipment and have listened to "my" music in the room for a period of time, I can form a definite opinion at a dealer's showroom on a piece of gear (though it is not as strong as one that I would form at home). When auditioning gear at home, I usually know within the first few minutes if I like the piece or not and if I do like it, then 24 hours is plenty of time for me to make up my mind how it places among my other favorites both new and old. I know what to listen for and I know what I do and don't like. It's that simple. Synergy has a lot to do with it, but a bad piece is a bad piece, IMO. This may sound unbelievable, but I have a fairly accurate aural memory of every piece of gear and system that I have owned and lived with. These memories do include a few memorable auditioned pieces as well, like the B&O 5700 speakers for some odd reason. I also remember conversations as well as music going back many years and I can usually play them back as if they are on a tape deck in my head. This was a big asset (to me) when I was involved in business. On the other hand I have almost no visual memory whatsoever to the point where I do not have the slightest idea what clothing my wife is wearing in the next room and I can even forget what I am wearing if I do not take a peek. I have some trouble remembering written information as well. To each his own, don't expect others to necessarily share your traits.
