Spiker, thanks for the decware link. I've taken a quick look and will study further.

Lasher, in answer to your question (what type of 2ch gear I have at present); my amp/pre-amp are solid state (SAE 2200/2900 circa 1976 or so) and I've never owned a tube amp. On the other hand my existing system was inherited, has never really reflected my taste, and now that the kids are growing up & I have time for serious listening I want to put a system together that I will want to spend lots of time inside.

Does it boil down to a choice between solid state or tube, though? There is a wide range in character of different solid-state amps, no?

(The problem with the 30 day return is I'm in Canada so I don't want to go through the brokerage hassle unless I'm sure.)

Thanks again...