XLH's SL-INS preamplifier ($5000). No, I didn't get a chance to hear them—Mr. Hou is still building his second AEF-1812, having sold his previous sets.

XLH's M-2000 monoblock power amplifier $25,000/pair).

Mr. Hou's tasty vintage Fender Jazz bass.

Mr. Hou's Marshall and Strat.

Mr. Hou's loft is stuffed with fun goodies, such as a drum set, keyboard rack—even a disco ball.

Since high-end audio isn't how Mr. Hou makes his living, he has his real factory elsewhere in the building. This is just his audio playground.

Just the speaker.

This is Hou Ying Zhong, of XLH.

I spotted this box of money by the door. "What's that?" I asked, "The tea fund?"

This is not the fastest way to heatshrink trannie leads, but this guy obviously takes his job seriously.