The most emotional amp out there?


OK gang, I need your votes for the amp you feel that brings the chills, the goosebumps, yes maybe even a teardrop or two when you sit down and listen to your particular music of choice. Although many responders will automatically think of tubes, I do not necessarily share that "prejudice". I'm trying to find that special amp to mate with my Virgo IIs that really takes me to the heart of the music...as opposed to just performing the requisite audiophile tricks (e.g. imaging, soundstage depth, etc.). I'm tired of appreciating the specific virtues of a well known amplifier that I am auditioning but never really being transported to a place where I forget about the gear and simply am enthralled with the music.

Don't get me wrong - I enjoy the audiophile thing as much as the next person. But I am searching for the amplifier that will transcend the need to go through the checklist of listening attributes a reviewer does and instead will simply allow me to sit back and just be enveloped by the message that the particular recording artist I am listening to is trying to communicate.

I hope I'm being somewhat inteligible here and thanks for your suggestions.

Gregg
reneaugroup309c

Showing 1 response by 213cobra

In over 30 years of this hobby I've listened to a LOT of amps. The most emotion-infused amps I've heard are:

Audion Golden Dream 300B parallel single-ended monoblocks
McIntosh MC1201 monoblocks
VAC Avatar integrated tube amp
Audio Research D76A tube stereo amp

The Audion Golden Dreams are the most tonally dense and rich amps I've ever heard. The McIntosh MC1201 is the most dynamically effortless amp at any volume level, with rich tonal body and relaxed tone. The VAC Avatar was one of those "perfect" amps that had everything in balance. And the ARC D76A was and remains the last truly emotion-transmitting ARC circuit. Everything since has been progressively more objective and analytical.

Phil