Behind the scenes Audio Research I/50

I'm not sure how normal this is in the industry but I was impressed that the designer, Warren Gehl,  listens to every unit before it is packaged and given final approval.  The effort to source local is admirable as well. 

Warren also listens to every unit that comes in for service.  New or serviced...nothing leave the building until Warren approves.  I have been buying and swapping out used pieces for the past 4 years to finally arrive at a system I feel I can live with for several years.  Over that time, they have been extremely helpful whenever I needed support.  They are a great bunch of folks and I am proud to own their equipment.  I would like to hear the new I/50 but am disappointed in the aesthetics.  I also find it very interesting how they reverted back to the 6550 & 6922 tubes.  They had been so adamant about the KT120/150 & 6H30.

I had a chance to listen to the Audio Research I/50 at John Rutan's place last weekend. It was driving Vandersteen VLR CT's with a pair of REL T5/i's. Source was an Auralic Altair G1 I believe. 

Very engaging system that really left me wanting for nothing. When I asked Jeff what the sonic differences were between the I/50 and the Rogue Cronus Magnum III he said the I/50 was more lush, romantic and tubey in comparison. 

I may ask John for an in-house demo of the I/50, but I'll probably hold off until the winter. As my upstairs listening room can get hot!  

It make me wanna buy Audio research stuff.Thank you for sharing.