For me, the effective way to test things are in my own system. There are many reasons why this proves to be highly effective:

I am intimately familiar with every aspect of the room where I am free from any distractions such as unfamiliar equipment, seating position and comfort, lighting, temperature, strange sales guys, logistics etc.

Because of those things mentioned above, I can focus on even the smallest detail over any change in sound quality a newly added tweak can have on my system.

The most profound experience with a tweak was when we were focused on a pre amp comparison, a industry rep placed an HRS damping plate on top of a Brinkman tube phono stage. Everyone in the room was startled at the difference it made. Even my wife looked up from her reading and asked what happened. My point is an in home trial is the best way to test new things as you are free from all the other distractions.


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#1 Trinnov Altitude 32-8-16, 271, 8000XE, 7200SEHC, 7200.2, Seaton F18, JL Fathom F113, Revel w990's, Kef R7, ATI 528 Amp, JVC RS4100K, SI screen. Roon Nucleus+, Eno AG, Eno M link, 218.
#2 Mark Levinson No5105, Ayre VX8 and CX8, Vandersteen Treo CT, Preamp varies.
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