I was running this as a simple system. The Alexandria Audio speakers, a simple WIIM Pro Plus streamer and DAC, my fave $39 speaker cables and the EMEI. Total retail cost of this system is close to $9k but that is because the speakers retail for $6500. If we swap those with say the Triangle Comete 40th, that cost goes down to $4500. The Alexandria Audio setup is a much more refined and musical setup as it puts out some low bass where the Triangles do not. In any case, I love this little amp and I prefer it personally to the EXM1.