I don’t post on Audiogon very often—I’m usually the guy quietly reading everyone else’s impressions and experiences. But this piece deserves a post.
Back in 2014, I wrote about the Exemplar Audio Exception Integrated and how incredible it sounded in my system at the time. More than a decade later, it’s difficult to remember every detail of how a component sounded, but I do remember one thing clearly: the original Exception was something special, and my comments back then were absolutely justified.
Then life happened. Raising kids, paying bills, and changing priorities led me to sell off my audio gear more than once, including the Exemplar Exception.
Fast forward to a few years ago, when I finally built another serious system around a highly regarded integrated amplifier with a retail price around $9K. It’s an excellent piece—refined, powerful, and musical. Everyone who heard it complimented the sound quality, and I genuinely enjoyed owning it.
Recently, I came across another Exemplar Audio Exception Integrated for sale from a long-time Audiogon member. This particular unit had been upgraded with Mundorf power supply capacitors, silicon carbide fast-recovery diodes, and Urushi capacitors. I was also told that John continued refining and tweaking the Exception design over the years—and after hearing it, I absolutely believe it.
I drove three and a half hours to audition it, and we did a direct A/B comparison between the two integrated amplifiers. What I heard convinced me on the spot, and I purchased the Exception.
After getting home, I installed it in my system, powered it up, and left for dinner. Later that night, I finally sat down for a serious listening session.
What I heard honestly stunned me.
Like many people here, I’ve spent years chasing “audio nirvana,” always searching for that elusive combination of realism, musicality, emotion, detail, dynamics, and natural tone. Within minutes, I realized this was not just another excellent component—it was a forever piece. This amplifier will never leave my rack.
The sound has everything you could want: body, bass, texture, dimensionality, effortless dynamics, natural timbre, and an incredibly engaging musical presentation. It pulls you into the performance in a way very few components can.
And I say this without exaggeration: you could spend $20K or more on an integrated amplifier and still not achieve this level of performance.
If deep down you still feel like something is missing from your system—if you’re still searching for that final level of emotional connection and realism—I highly recommend seeking out an Exemplar Audio Exception Integrated.
The combination of John’s ongoing refinements and the upgraded parts in this unit has resulted in a true masterpiece.
The sound is simply breathtaking.
