Wonderful write-up, Donnie!

I became a believer 2 years ago, after 35+ years of uninspired boorishness. Even my previous system, a Rogue integrated tube amp [my entry into tubes) and Martin Logan electrostats, didn't cut it it the end.

So I've sold nearly everything and have gone hog wild into the Decware / Omega phenomenon. Still waiting on my Decware orders, and am 24-7 looking forward to fully joining in on the Joy Of Listening.

Ok here goes - my story in a nutshell over the past 5 years.

I had become so dissatisfied with my hifi system I just stopped playing it.
My system consisted of well-known, established names, and they are highly regarded by the establishment audio media.
Don’t get me wrong, build quality is excellent. They just didn’t sound very good in my loft space.
And I’m not nearly as picky as many audio buffs are.
But if I wanted to listen to music, my most enjoyable option was to plug my Grado SR-60s into my computer.
So almost by accident I run across Decware on the inter-webs, and my curiousity is piqued. Never heard of this company before.
Who are they? Let me check them out and see what they’re all about.
As I’m reading my pulse quickens.
Hand-made. Point-to-Point wiring. Build-to-order. Home trial. Achievable pricing. Lifetime warranty. Made in USA.
What!? Are you kidding me!? Who does all that!?
Practically no one unless they’re charging the equivilent of a Korean car or more.
This company is talking my language.
Of course I didn’t buy anything right away. I have trust issues, and I tend to suffer from analysis-paralysis.
I’ll throw myself out of an airplane over and over again - putting my faith in 5 lbs of nylon to save me - but I’m pretty risk adverse when spending cash.
Anyway, so I started poking around on the forum - just lurking - for several months.
Basically i’m looking for an excuse - any excuse - not to buy Decware. Trying to find a flaw or anything that will kill my interest and let me walk away.
Not only did I not find anything to chase me off, I kept coming across more and more good news.
The warranty is transferable. Tubes used are reasonably-priced and easily sourced. Amps are designed to be easy on the tubes so they will have longer lives.
I turned to HappyGirl - Has this guy built the most perfect HiFi business or what!?
This Deckert guy is so good, I can’t consider anything else given what I’ve learned.
Finally it is time to either fish or cut bait. I can’t just read about hifi for the rest of my life. Either buy or move on.
So I cough up about $5K and order both the Torii Jr. and the ERRxs.
Now comes the waiting.
Finally they arrive. Wow, check out that quality!
I hook ‘em up, and instantly I love ‘em! Out of the box - not broken in - right away they’re killing it.
So, I bought a ZBIT next. And love it.
Then I bought the Zen head headphone amp. Love it.
Bought some interconnects - love those too.
Bought the ZRock2. Love it.
Bought a Decware power cord. Love it.
Bought a ZStage. Love it.
Bought a Rachel amp as a backup (so if a tube fails on the Torii Jr., no problem, move everything over, power it up, pour another margarita, and keep the tunes going. I’ll diagnose the tube issue later).
Love that amp too.
So in about 2-3 years time I’ve managed to replace all my previous gear, and - except for the stuff Steve doesn’t make - bought all Decware gear.
I guess you could say I’m a Decware fanboy.

Ps. almost forgot to mention - I’ve got a Torii MkIV w/ 25th anniversary mods on the way!
BOOM!

Pps. Keep my away from those HR-1s!

Ahhhh! agreed with it all!   sounds like you need to make it Decfest first full weekend in October and get a snoot(ear) full of all of it plus meet Steve and some of the other fans. Have no fear of the HR_1s. If they reach out and grab you, it will be ALL pleasure!     Decfest IS still on, right??