As feared this has morphed into a Bose/anti-Bose thread....I really just wanted to focus on the testing methodology of CR. I only mentioned Bose because of the divergence of opinion based on what I read here and what CR reports but there are examples that I could have (should have..) used. I often see a lot of techno speak in this forum that at this point of time is over my head. I am familiar with CR based on past experiences/purchases and really just wanted to know if they would be a valid starting point Thanks to everyone for the feedback ultimately I think your ears/individual tastes are the true evaluators and will proceed on that basis. For those who are still interested please continue the usual Bose thread....