Was it not a public domain design? Practically all circuits already exist at this point, the trick with any amp manufacturer is to put your own flavor on it (without violating intellectual property rights, of course). Which is what I thought everyone -- including Mikhail -- does.
I think it looks hot, in a spectacular sci-fi chick wearing a foil cape as an extra on Dr. Who kind of way. I haven't heard any reviews that said sound alone makes it worth the price without modding and/or tuberolling.
But I still intend to get one when I win the lottery -- I think it will go with my O'Heocha D2 speakers.
Dude, you really need to discover some Kylie Minogue. The album Body Language is a particular favorite of mine. The video for the song, "Slow" cracks me up:
Also Pink, her first album, Can't Take Me Home -- check out the track, Hell Wit Ya:
Annie, Anniemal -- "Chewing Gum":
The SA8001 is awesome, but since I have no experience with the CD5001, I have no idea how large or small a step up it would be for you. But you get SACD, and that, in itself, will be a pretty nice step up.
Is there any way you could try it on a return policy from a local store or something?
I say: dew et.
What's wrong with you? That's like porn to some of us. Naked equipment is awesome.
How about the AudioValve look, do you like them? I would guess that that would be the perfect happy medium -- you can still see the gear, but the external shell is nicely esthetic as well.
Not Time Out, but Classic Records' version of Birth of the Cool is mono: (from here).
I was only over there on their site because I was looking for the picture that comes with their DAD's -- it's basically their version of the K2 process -- very minimal, with as short of a chain as possible, and as high quality every step of the way as possible. If anyone knows what I'm talking about it and can find it, I'd appreciate it.