Thanks, blackraven, for the info. Bestofaudio wants exhorbitant amounts for shipping, but the other site is far more reasonable. 2-day air delivery will cost me a total of $775 - a far cry from $899, plus whatever extra for 2-day shipping, that might help persuade my wife as it's a savings of well over $150.

Whatever my wife's final say, one thing is for sure: I won't have it for the weekend, and I was hoping for that since a good friend (and music lover) is coming over for dinner Saturday night.

so, that's it until the next chapter!