Well Steve, other than the comments already submitted, i can see that you have different DAC's and power amps. Both of these can make a BIG difference. Since you say that you can move your speakers all over the place in your room ( which should essentially negate the advantage of specific placement or room acoustics in your system ) and still beat the pants off of the other system in terms of imaging, i would start looking at the electronics. My first guess would be the differences in DAC's and then "possibly" the amps. Try bringing your DAC over to his place and give that a try. I know that there have been more than a few times when i went from one DAC to another and literally "unleashed" tons of imaging and soundstage with the change. If it is the DAC that is killing his performance, don't fall prey to the idea that it is the tubes in your DAC that offers the spatial advantages. I went from tube DAC's to a SS model and picked up a LOT more spacial information, so it is strictly a matter of how well the product is designed, NOT what method is used. Both SS and Tube products can sound good or bad. Sean
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