2. amps-preamps
  3. 1167331948

What is the best SS Amp and Pre given the trends?

I currently have an active Linn system (Klouts, Kairn, Kabers) and want to upgrade. I originally chose Linn because of it being more musical verses sterile sounding and it's small foot print. In looking at upgrade choices, I've been surprised about how the once frowned upon Class D amps are suddenly getting noticed (Nuforce, Channel Island, Bel Canto). I'd like to get better sound stage, image, power capability, and detail without harshness or having to going the tube route. I've read mixed reviews on the Ayre MX-R's, so I'd appreciate forum members thoughts on current market choices and considerations for putting together a new system.
cvman

Showing 4 responses by guidocorona

guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
While the 'best' of anything likely does not exist, the musically most satisfying amp I have auditioned this far, regardless of underlying technology, is the new Rowland 312. See my further comments on this device at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1111288881&openusid&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona
Please note that there exists a vast sonic difference between the 312 and the lesser Rowland 501 and 201 monoblocks. The significant price difference is in my own view fully justified.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I should like to add that the Rowland 312 I heard was matched to a Rowland Concerto pre-amp. I was truly stunned by how good the combination sounded. Had I known this fact one year ago, when I was still on the market for a pre, I would certainly have performed an a/b comparison of the little Concerto against the admittedly marvellous ARC Ref 3, which I eventually purchased.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Truly fascinating, MRT! And now, after blaring the painfully obvious, are you going to impart some wisdom onto us poor audiosods as to your own preferred SS amp, and how this yet unnamed device congrues with your own equally unstated audio goals?
Or will you mayhaps be satisfied to impart upon us your deep wisdom regarding that which is not, while leaving us the existential burden of grocking inner audio truth Zen fashion, by whispering higher and ever higher degrees of guruesque abstraction to this--your most humble of flocks?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
MRT, I regret that you may not even know the meaning of the word perspicacity. For if you did, you would have likely displayed sufficient basic acumen to grock that this thread is not concerned with the old and tired argument of overall supremacy of SS over tubes or viceversa.
Rather, you have elected once more to showcase your singular lack of listening skills by blasting all and sundry with yet another of your sadly all-to-frequent fusilades of trite and facile generalities, masked as quasi guruesque words of useless wisdom.
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