That's what we love about stereo specials: they're always a breeze to set up. We plopped the 497 on a centre stand between our reference towers and hit 'Play', setting into motion 'Beethoven's Symphony No 31n E-Flat Major'. We jumped to track two and heard the gentle build the flute and the strings were so beautifully rendering. With them, the 497 took to the reigns, preparing itself in a loose soundstage to let go of all its inhibitions for the massive chord progressions which were to come. And they came, with what intensity and dynamics too!