Bless Russell - Listening to other peoples systems is such a revelation. I dont get to do it much though due to time and other commitments.
I've only heard a few others but there's always been clear difference in the sonic presentation - no question.
I was struck with Andy's immediately, for the reasons mentioned.
I'm a floor standers man, just like the way they look to be honest which is daft but those tiny little Celestions sounded good, natural, musical and really got to the heart of the music, each bass line / note was tuneful and moved the rythm along beautifully.
Been a huge Marley fan from before he was what I'd call globally famous and more than familiar with the Burnin' album.
You could really hear inside the music, the recording in that analogue master tape sense and all from this fairly 'moderate' not in your face / showboaty high end type set up - As I say it was a bit of an eye opener for me in that sense.
The 919 is a beaut' ! but despite being re-built like new, re-capped etc it has been down again with a phono selector niggle causing loss of right channel. These gorgeous things even when completely sorted are like high end classic cars, where these little things might happen from time to time.
And like a classic car parts have to be sourced from somewhere. Also my top tech friend Angus (Phonomac) is in Northampton and has other hifi related projects on the go as well.
All of this means things dont happen overnight so the last few years have been painful beyond belief.
I've indulged in something 'special' recently which has me very very excited indeed and should I hope ease the pain. Cant say just yet but in true AOS style all will be revealed as soon as it arrives in a week or two