Either/or/both. Almost every answer could be right. Knowing how surprisingly good Melda products are, it's not hard to imagine this could be the best. In fact, you kind of answered your own question. It's the best YOU ever heard and it would be foolish for anyone to tell you differently about what you heard. Even if a little GAS comes into play, that does not diminish your experience. Also, the answer to best will vary based on whether criteria is based on how close one feels it comss to real thing or whether one just likes sound regardless of percieved accuracy. In any case, I doubt your opinion is sole resultnof gas. None of their products are in the glamour/hype category that causes people to by for gratuitous reasons. Interfaces are ugly and unintuitive. They are certainly not one of the big names or branded by celebrities. Their products simply work well beyomd expectations.