Best system for ROMANCE

Cindy, if you know high end audio well enough to discriminate among the systems suggested, you clearly are not "new at this". Somehow I don't think we have to worry about you're being at the mercy of a high end dealer on either coast. I wish you had posted your pedigree before I took you seriously.

Cindy, Faml24 makes a lot of good points. However, please go with the Jolida 302B, as opposed to the 202B. While I really am a big fan of the 202, it is very limited in its abilities. The 302 has MUCH larger transformers. Transformers are the most expensive/important part of a tube amp. And they determine power, bass response, ability to drive loudspeakers, and so much MORE. The 302B will be more future proof. You will be able to drive most speakers with it. With the 202, you are fairly limited. While I always tell people to replace the tubes and power cord, I am only suggesting you switch the power cord. The stock Chinese tubes are slow, heavy, syrupy, and most of all ROMANTIC. You will absolutely love them. Good Luck with everything.

Hi Cindy, You can try Sound by Singer, Stereo Exchange, Park Ave Audio, Lyric HiFi and Harveys' in that order.If you run into "ATTITUDE", don't forget that you are a serious customer interested in a high quality system and you are going to compare systems at a few good shops before making a decision. Pressure and impulse can get to even the most experienced buyer, so good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

If you're still in NYC and looking to audition, stop by Innovative Audio as well. They can be a little more pricy than the ones mentioned above, but I have found them to be the kindest, most accomodating, and knowledgable of the lot - and they've got some really fine equipment to boot. If you've got the time and the interest, they'll set you up, bring sodas, and swap out equipment for you all day long. They treated me right fine, and I'm just a youngster who showed up in jeans and a t-shirt. I've had mixed luck (and bought equipment) from almost all of the above--mostly luck of the draw regarding who gloms onto you when you walk in the door. I suspect you'll be fine, though...

Well; take it from an old pro: Go easy on the equipment expenditure. Invest in quality software (e.g., Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Brahms, Beethoven quartets. etc.) and wine. But most of all, rely upon your natural charm and ability to make your own beautiful music. PS: For a prelude to the above, it's hard to beat a fine meal.