Supernait - Are my ears kidding me?

[Mr Peabody]

I understood your analogy. And, it is really pretty good when trying to explain what some one might gain when stepping up in quality. Audiophilia leads to fun with adjectives

[hermanv]

Early in the series Mr. Peabody recommended you try your set-up without the Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube buffer. For me at least, the only tube gear whose sound I like is in the astronomical price range.

I have read mixed reviews of the X-10 tube buffer, I've never heard one. I do worry that good quality tube sound may just not be available at the X-10 price point.

Many of the amplifiers you auditioned have great detail retrieval, it is also possible that your CD player or even your cables just aren't up to the task. I personally found it quite useful to cultivate a relationship with other audiophiles. By swapping equipment it may be possible to identify weak or strong points in your equipment.