Thanks Mark.
One thing about these get togethers we need to warn other AKers about is that they can end up costing money after the event. Although these are good for gear changing hands like the swap meets at the Mid-Atlantic Fests these smaller happenings might just have a single piece or two change hands. So nothing too unusual there. But the big issue is related to what we hear.
At recent events there have been folks that needed to find certain records, not bad cost-wise but these are usually records that need to be found at the used stores. The there is the more expensive decisions where one hears a certain component and must get one of those. We have had folks jump in for a phono preamp, cartridge (more than once) and discussion about needing a speed controller. There are more examples, too. Mark is a case in point. His system has gotten a lot better in the last year and he was very happy before.
So be careful all you AKers that are happy with what you have. When you go to these events, you never know who is bringing what and if it is going to put you on the hunt for one. A be careful what you wish for sort of deal. "Yes, I heard it, now I have to have one."