There is no one best amp. It is all in the eye, or in this case, the ear of the beholder. In any comparison, the result depends upon who is making the comparison, the other equipment, the listener's musical preferences, the listener's financial resources, the listening space, and the listener's personality.
That being stated, I have a BAT VK-60 with a Wadia 850 (directly connected, no pre) and Gallo 3.0. I'm on the 3rd amp, the 3rd pair of speakers and the 3rd CD player. Third time is definitely a charm. My musical preferences include classic, rock and jazz. This system has given me many hours of enjoyment. The VK-60 is definitely magic and looks good as well (especailly when the lights are down low). SET, but without the normal disadvantages of SET.
It was, however, not until I did the acoustical treatments that the system really came alive. If I change this amp, it will be for a VK-75 SE.
J
That being stated, I have a BAT VK-60 with a Wadia 850 (directly connected, no pre) and Gallo 3.0. I'm on the 3rd amp, the 3rd pair of speakers and the 3rd CD player. Third time is definitely a charm. My musical preferences include classic, rock and jazz. This system has given me many hours of enjoyment. The VK-60 is definitely magic and looks good as well (especailly when the lights are down low). SET, but without the normal disadvantages of SET.
It was, however, not until I did the acoustical treatments that the system really came alive. If I change this amp, it will be for a VK-75 SE.
J