thanks all. i'm really pleased with my system - took a long time to get there and it looks a bit motley, but really sounds great.
the slide guitar avatar is from a guitarist in Tucson, AZ named Bob Log. he used to play shows wearing a motorcycle helmet with a mic inside.
sadly there is no cure for audio nervosa. sufferers may have periods of remission, sometimes lasting years, but eventually relapse. however, during periods of remission, the AN sufferer usually substitutes another expensive endeavor usually: cars, boats, wine, watches, photography, and computers.
about the Juicy Music Preamp.. its a freaking giant killer!!! i dont care for its aesthetics but it sure sings and has bested several preamps up to 3X its price. i havent heard the pCats or merlin.
thanks for the warm welcome.