Experience with Blue Circle amps

I second Bobs' take on this. If you insist on slagging a good manufacturer's reputation then pony up with ALL the facts, not just a partial story.
I have alot of experience with most of the BlueCircle product from the BC21/22 right up to the full AG series. Aside from an occasional noisy tube (hardly BC's fault !) I've had NO problems at all. Gilbert has always been prompt to answer any questions I may have had, and has exhibited a very generous attitude towards his customers.
A 70% failure rate ?? I highly doubt it.

BigCop. I also have experience with Krell, Levinson, and many other manufacturers gear.
The fact of the matter is that BlueCircle is a very small operation, not a mind sucking entity owned by an even larger organism. Therefore, when a customer gets in touch with someone at BlueCircle, you have a very large chance of getting Gilbert directly.
He takes pride in his components, and doesn't like the thought of product failure. This can be said for many small audio manufacturers. The difference is that you can still get a personal touch, not just a technician who doesn't care if you have a ground loop problem or not.
The other thing you don't realize is that many of BlueCircles' customers are within a 2 hour drive of his facility. Therefore, it only stands to reason that some customers may have actually *met* Gilbert.
FACT.... Bob Neill writes for EnjoyTheMusic.com not Soundstage.com