PS Audio at AXPONA 25

[Botch]

PS Audio introduced a new line (preamp, DAC, disk player and Phono preamp), and I'm posting Paul's presentation because of a few startling comments:
1. A reported 150 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the full system (less the phono),
2. One of the engineers on the project he hired from Northrup-Grumman's stealth program, I didn't recognize his name but wonder if we've met,
3. Zero-feedback design on the phono stage, and
4. The disk player uses a Marantz transport, and Marantz had announced they would no longer be making transports (and they're the last manufacturer on the planet); PS Audio bought their remaining stock of ~300 transports. So, if you want an SACD player, you'd better hustle.

EDIT: I just checked, this new line is not on PS Audio's website just yet; guess they're not as tightly coordinated as Apple...

 

[Flint]

1) I have to see that proven with real world testing. That said, S/N is one of the last differentiators between high end components given they have reached levels of perfection WAY beyond human perception, even the best listeners.
2) Saying they came from a company known for stellar engineering means little. He could have been a factory engineer for FAA commercial emergency/safety lights, after all. I'd love to know more about what he was responsible,
3) I am genuinely unaware of why zero-feedback would be a desirable thing. Low feedback makes sense, but "zero?"
4) Optical disc raw transports are still being made by many companies. What does it mean that "Marantz was the last maker?" That sounds misleading.

While I despise the insane and pointless claims PS Audio has made for decades, their products do perform well and sound great, even if I believe they are stupidly overpriced. So, if it takes using silly language to demand such extravagant prices, I will be marginally forgiving.