I have a very cynical take on this stuff. A group of individuals get together around some *stuff* that has audiophool potential - stuff that may be hyped without consequence as there is no supporting evidence one way or the other, nor is it common enough to be checked independently. Then, within the group they bid it out of sight. Sit for a bit, then gradually trickle it onto the market with pre-set desirability. Make a bit of easy money, then move onto the next boutique item and engage in a similar process.

After basic quality control, suitability for the purpose, and simple screening, a cap is a cap is a cap is a cap is a cap.

Peter Wieck
Melrose Park, PA