My brother asked me a question a few days ago that I answered differently than I'd like to. He asked me "Will you ever stop adding to or updating your systems?"

I had to say that there is no end in sight. I'm very happy with my systems. Much happier than many who have far less (to me) elaborate or listenable systems. But there is always wire or tubes or isolation components to try. Not to mention the constantly shifting Decware upgrade line. Just when you settle down on the best amplification that you have ever known there's a Mk IV or a Mystery Amp or a new speaker.

Sigh. Is it a sickness? I have actually been able to stop at the Torii Mk III and the PS Audio Duo as a front end. These are spectacular products that complement each other and give me great listening pleasure. No need to change those. But the Mk III si so flexible and an owner soon begins to feel he needs to flex and develop all those muscles . . . there might be just one more combination that will bring a huge surprise. . . . Likewise I love my Rega RP3 with its upgrades the ZP3 (funny how there's just one letter between them!)---they work so well together and often give me the best sound I have.

Still . . .there's products like the PS Audio PowerBase. I bought one, stuck it under my Duo and really like what it does. Over time I've come to really like what it does even more. . .and bought one for my Powerplant Premier. . .than my Torii .. . . then . . . .  Well I found a great price source in a gentleman who was downsizing and now I have SEVEN of them. They just do more for the sound than a complete tube roll of the best tubes imaginable. Underneath my RP3 it has been a revelation, freaked me out how amazing it made that sound. And under my Denon DCD-A100 SACD player and DBP-A100 Universal player it has really transformed the sound, making these shockingly good 100th anniversary showpieces. If I could find a way to get my two CSP2+ and ZP3 on one or  two I would, I confess. . . . Sure feels like an illness this need for more, or an addiction.

But I don't want to be cured. And now I turn my attention to my Dad's system, which I actually listen to more, I could mess with that for years.

I bet I'm not alone! Can YOU stop?

Oh I definitely see that. I didn't mean I would want to stop learning or being open to something new. I think I understand all that I need to about amplification and pre-amplificaiion and have ideal products for those ends, and don't need to keep getting on the "Mk NEW" wagon with Decware. I find the biggest improvements now in wire and isolation items, and there's always something new to experience there that globally makes a difference. I think a few of my amp upgrades might have been unnecessary had I known then more about power and isolation and interconnect application. (Then again a few of the products that made the most significant differences then weren't available, we're really living in a golden age of wire quality and power cleansing and regeneration items).

But yes, always something new to explore and discover. BUT I feel that too much focus on the hardware takes a little away from the music itself, so I'm trying to get to a point where I can just make small incremental changes now and then and not shift the musicality of the system itself too drastically. I'm at that point, focusing on a few more power cord locations and a few more interconnect choices as the final yard for a while. But I've not stopped. . . . Though big ticket component items are covered, completely, for two systems.

Cool Stone. I know you can have faith in the Mystery Amp, as knowledgeable as you are of Decware and Steve's work. I have found the front ends, amplification and speakers I need, want and enjoy (times two!) and I totally understand why you would desire the right amplification for speakers you love, that's what led me to the Torii as the Decware Monos and Integrated just didn't have enough headroom for my move to a larger room using the speakers I've loved.

For me it's the nuance of cables and isolation products that have me still seeking and desiring. And if I ever do have a place that's mine again and can be set up for dedicated listening I'll explore room treatment.

But honestly a growing part of me wants to stop!  ;)

Well said, Lon!

A white plate III is my backup plan if I can't get the scratch to put in my order for a III/IV before the page update.

I feel as if I'm close to being done, honest. I have a CSP2+ on the way soon with the Jupiter caps, it will get broken in in my second system and then put into the main system. In time I may do that to my other CSP2+ in this system, and in my ZP3. . . . That would be icing on the cake.

Today I just installed two VooDoo Cable "Evolution" interconnects in place of two Cryoset.com cables. A few weeks ago I snagged an incredible deal, the next line up of VooDoo Cable interconnects, the "Ultralinear," a pair used by VooDoo at an audio show, and at about a quarter of list. Amazing cable that really has added a dynamic dimension. So now I have all VooDoo Cable in the main system and I'm happy. I need one more AC-12 to replace an AC-10 and then all the power cords will be AC-12. It will be a great place to stop and smell the musical roses!

I'm very very happy with my system and my new situation of spending less time with it due to my family responsibilities makes my enjoyment even deeper. I know there are exciting new things from Decware, but I'm enjoying the previous wave of exciting Decware things to the hilt.

Well my second choice after the Power Base is 4" maple platforms. That's expensive too, but great sound.

I wish this stuff were just snake oil, or perhaps I should say I wish I were more sane, but they really are the "icing" on the cake.

Thanks for that, I'll do some research.