Jeff Rowland 201´s or Ayre V-5 X


intend to buy either of these. Any comments on sonic signatures etc.

Use Wadia 302 (will be replaced by the forthcoming Nagra CDP), Shunyata Phoenix, Acoustic Zen Silver Ref. II, Electraglide Mini Khan Plus / Ultra Kahn Statement, Ayon Audio Seagull Ceramique, Shunyata Hydra.
frankpiet
Guido - I don't know the Whisper impedance curve, but they are rated at 4 ohm nominal and about 95 or 96 dB efficient, I don't remember off the top of my head.

The Stereophile review seemed to start well, but then MF began some deep criticisms mostly in comparison to his tube amps as I remember (but my memory doesn’t always serve me well). I was informed that the amps he had were brand new and unbroken-in, but you never really know. Even my amps sounded sterile and flat when they were new which matched his observations. I left them playing when I went on a trip to get the hours up. Now they are really nice. I wouldn't have believed this burn in thing if I hadn't noticed it myself.

In the end it always seems to be a question of synergy anyway, as much as that complicates matters and frustrates us.
Ayre! The Rowlands are too lifeless, dead and boring sounding (digital and analytical!) . I had the 501 monos, but sold them. Now I have Theta amps.
The Citadels are essentially Ayre amps as Charles Hansen was behind the core design that Theta ripped from the dreadnaught.