My experience, though undoubtedly different for any number of reasons, nevertheless varies from Grannyring's. A couple of years back, I sold my tube-based system--tube amp, tube preamp, tube dac--and bought a Devialet D200. In the beginning, I thought the Devialet sounded "excellent" and I especially loved the convenience and simplicity of it. Over time, I found that I was listening to my system less and less, finally realizing that I was just not connecting emotionally to the music the way I had with previous systems--not just with the tube amp, but with SS amps including Plinius SA-102 and the TRL Samson monoblocks. I finally sold the Devialet and bought a Line Magnetic integrated, an Allnic H1201 phono stage, and a Lampizator Atlantic, once again reintroducing tubes into my system. Now the magic is back. For me, at least, there just is no substitute for the life and presence that tubes bring. I guess it feels like the difference between a great representation of the music and the music itself. The Devialet didn't do anything "wrong"--I was always impressed, but could never connect with it on a deeper level. YMMV, of course. Just my experience and my two cents.
High End Amp Price Collapse musings
If Class D amplification becomes accepted by audiophiles there should be a glut of high end amps (Krell, Levinson, Pass etc) becoming available on the used market at prices a fraction of what they are now.
Think CRT TV when the flat panels began emerging.I think Ill hold off on a new/used amp purchase for a little while. Maybe I will bet a Boulder.
Has any one else considered this?