As a first-timer... I stood, rather shy, in front of the Bottlehead table with my AKG K601 headphones. Doc noticed me and said, "Come on down! Have a seat." in the most welcoming way -- like a 60's talk show host or something. The other listeners at my sides were very friendly. Doc took his time answering all our questions and was very knowledgable.
With my K601s, the S.E.X. sounded great and I was happy enough right there, my K601s never sounded better. But then I listened to the new Smack -- Doc set it to the 128 ohm setting to match my cans -- and the difference between it and the S.E.X. was: I could turn up the volume more with the Smack and, rather than getting louder and more piercing, the soundscape got bigger, more lush and enthralling. Once my budget allows, I'll be placing my order for the Smack. Thanks Doc for making the meet a great experience for me
P.S. The tape rig was awesome; Doc looked like a film projectionist when changing the reels! And the K1000s through the Paramounts was the best sounding set-up I've ever had the pleasure of hearing.