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RE: I think you are wrong on both counts

Mr. Marks. Yours is the type of posting I really love. Why? Because, besides from being polite and well written...it causes me to reevaluate my own postings, and any pre conceived notions. Well done.

I concede most of your points, and I have not heard Dartzeel products.

I do offer, in good nature, this quote from the July 2007 issue, from Fred Kaplans review of the Krell FBI...

"There's something a bit oddball about the notion of a $16,500 integrated amplifier—until you stop to consider that the market is fairly drenched with preamps and power amps that, together, cost that much and more. And putting both pre- and power amp in a single chassis cuts down on storage (one less shelf), accessories (one less pair of cable), and electrical outlets (one socket freed up).

Still, it must be a tough sell; it seems a novelty, along the lines of the $100 Kobe beef burger or the $1000 caviar omelet offered at certain Manhattan restaurants. The kind of people who tend to stick with burgers and omelets think such prices are comically insane. The kind of people who don't chafe at these prices figure they might as well go all the way and order the dry-aged porterhouse or the blini and Beluga"

I guess the original poster, and my self to an extent, were befuddled by the very notion of a 20K Integrated, over priced largely due to "currency" issues.

However, you are correct, and these are clearly luxury items, there is no doubt.

Pertaining to the Meridian Ferrari, that is clearly a toy for wealthy individuals to put in their bedrooms, no difference than the thousands ROUTINELY spent on night stands, mirrors, and satin sheets. Its a lovely "room piece", and probably no more.

No, there are no ads for Dartzeel in Stereophile. But that is a bit of a gray area ( PLEASE forgive me for playing Devils Advocate, its a habit, but I do it not with any malicious intentions) as dealers often place ads for manufacturers who have a policy of not advertising, or cannot afford to.

Your point about Bob Ludwig is interesting. I was a huge fan of his, but lately, the quality of mastering work coming out of his shop is really puzzling...is it a case of You Cant Polish a Turd? Have you heard Springsteens "Magic"? Horrendous. But its a shame, as the music is excellent.

He is certainly not a fool for owning 100K speakers, considering what he does for a living. I dont begrudge ANYONE for owning comically expensive gear. One of the benefits of being wealthy is not having to shop around to see if there is a much less expensive alternative. Id love to be in those shoes.

Keep up the good work. For the record, I don't believe there no negative reviews.


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