Stereo Times review on the remarkable Naiu Labs Ella MKIII amplifier

when the question revolves around which is ultimately the "BEST" I do not respond because that question is absurd to begin with. Many audiophiles are so insecure that a positive review on a new amplifier some how makes their purchase of their amplifier, based on a past review, null and void.

@teajay , I don't think anyone asked you about the "BEST". I believe the questions ranged from among the Coda and SPL line of amplifiers. The reason that people ask these question is because they believe that unlike a professional reviewer who gets to experience so many different amplifiers, regular users do not get to experience so many amps for a long period of time - even if they go to audio shows where each session can be a few minutes to an hour.

So past review does not become null and void when a new positive review comes up. It is just that folks want to purchase the "best in their budget" at THAT given point in time when they decide to make a purchase in the next few weeks to months.

@milpai 

I think you're referring to my question of Terry (posted below). As you point out, nothing was asked about which is "best"...just looking for input from someone that's heard them in his own system.

"Can you comment on how the SPL S1200 or M1000 compare to the Coda S5.5 and/or Coda 16? I believe you've had them all "in house" for review..."

For additional reference, Tom Gibbs reviewed the Ella Mark 3 for Positive Feedback, issue 127 in May of 2023.

@catastrofe ,

Yes it was your questions as well as mine on another thread that he posts under a different user name.

When a reviewer (professional) comes on this site and posts that he reviewed a component, he is expecting the users on this forum to go read that. In that case, they need to be courteous enough to respond back to the questions.

No doubt, he did not get any response from Oct-19 till yesterday when I responded. 

First, regarding that I posted under a different user name. Did one time when for some reason I could not get into the GON system to post under my user name of twenty years. John Hoffman, fellow Stereo Times reviewer, gave me permission to use his user name. It is the Coda 5.5 thread and I clearly stated that I was the author of the thread.

Secondly, I often do respond to specific questions regarding the performance of the gear I review, but not always. As I stated their are so many variables that when the question is which is a BETTER amplifier, I choose not to answer that inquire. A classical illustration would be which is the BEST preamplifier - AricAudio Motherload MKII - Backert reference - Linear Tube Audio Level III. I have reviewed them all. They are all reference level line-stages, but different in how they present music. What source are you using in your system, what speakers, what's your personal taste, etc. Yet, if I write a review on one of them after writing a review on the others I get many Emails asking which is the "BEST". Insecurity runs amok with many audiophiles. 

Historically, many GON members have given feedback on the forums that my posts/reviews have helped them in finding gear that they were looking for. I state my system and my personal taste in my reviews. If your listening priorities match mine, it often means that you would enjoy that piece of gear in your system.