I realize I never closed the loop on Cahoots. I settled on the SHM version. My first take was that it was very bright and cloying. I didn't care for it at all and set it aside. A few weeks ago I was auditioning a Creek integrated with a passive preamp, the Classic 5350 SE. Some reviewers thought it was too bright. I didn't hear it, so I slipped Cahoots into my BDP-95. It wasn't bright at all! Nor was it when I switched back to my old Rotel. I don't know what happened, maybe the new ICs on the BDP finally broke in or something, but the sound quality and neutrality of the SHM are excellent, as are the performances of the Band and their guests. The songwriting, on the other hand.....
Welcome to the club, 04blackmaxx!