Gee Feanor, I don't know how to respond. It would definitely help for us to hear each other's systems to evaluate the overall synergy. I've never heard either the SDS nor the Forte, so I just don't have any perspective.

Here are some random thoughts:

The new 1.7 is considered brighter than the 1.6. Is the 1.6 itself a bit rolled off? I heard the 3.7 at Harry's and found it had a nice extension at the top.

Passive arrangements are definitely subject to top end roll off if the capacitance isn't extremely low. Do you know the total value of your cables?

My '81 Stasis was always sweet and extended at the top. Where the VTLs are far superior is providing a much more lifelike rendering in the midrange. I confess that I do not find overly etched highs realistic. The real treasure lies in the midrange.