combination can yet reproduce the

real dynamics of a hitting of a

single key on a piano, for example

[one can quibble about whether a

live electric guitar is by definition

always correct later. Much, much

later. :-)]. But given the linearity of

the dynamic response of the

system across various media, and

given what we know about cables'

effect on dynamics [re: ODIN],

how some digital players tweak

dynamics in a non-linear fashion

[see previous shootouts on the

Audio Federation blog], and of

course the speakers, which like all

speakers are not 100% efficient,

the amps appear to be completely

linear, and are reproducing in

exact correct proportion the

magnitude of the signal they are

given - EVEN IN THE REAL WORLD

OF PLAYING REAL MUSIC.

This is the point I am trying to

make. What an amplifier does is

extremely simple. But it is dealing

with a very subtle and complex

signal - music - and the ways it

can mess this up are extremely

numerous and complex. The ML3

doesn't mess up in the ways that

amplifiers usually mess up. I am

arguing that the ML3 is, like the

Coltrane Supremes and the ODIN

before it - the first, truly

competent, amplifier.

Designing systems around these

components is different than

around other components. Their

own flaws are not only so very

small [given the real-world

limitation of physical laws and the

conventional implementation of

these audio components], but

they are also NOT designed to

compensate for inherent flaws

elsewhere in the system or media.

These 'competent components',

these perfectionists, just

reproduce the sound they are

given. With much, much better

success than most other

components. They don't play

'games' with the sound. Now a

system of all perfect components

may not be for you. Maybe just

one or two will be preferred. Some

people seem to find the media

itself, whether digital or analog, to

still be missing something and

want an extra zing. Others just

prefer the sound to be 'better

than real' and want some extra

zoom. For most people, a system

filled with perfect components

might only be a start - followed by

tweaks of special cables and

components to tailor the system

to fit their personal, and

doubtlessly idiosyncratic and

unique, taste, exactly.

Or should I say... perfectly.