Waltersalas, are you any relation to Walter Salas-Humara, a fantastic singer-songwriter involved with the Silos and the Setters? If so, I worship you. In any event, about your EMC-1 idea, I own the EMC-1, without the upgrade, and think it sounds absolutely fantastic. FWIW, I used this CDP with the Beethovens and the Ayre V-3 for a year before I decided to downsize the Beethovens to ProAc monitors. Absolutely first-rate sound, if you can pick up the EMC-1 w/the upgrade for under $3000, you've got yourself a great bargain. I paid $2800 for the EMC-1 one year ago, but I've never regretted it. I think I will always keep this CDP no matter where the rest of my system goes. You will love it with the Beethovens, and if you see a Capitole later, get both! Now, that's the way I like to punt!! Go for the punt and the field goal at the same time.
Clueless, I'm laughing again at everything you posted this week, esp. the Mark Levinson chapter headings. You really had me going there. I believed those were real! The whole book idea, and the NYT fluff article, makes those chapter titles believable.
And Brulee, thanks for the kind words of confidence.