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Wells Audio Commander Lev II or Aesthetix Janus Sig?

I recently purchased a Wells Innamorata Signature from TMR, and I am simply thrilled with Jeff Wells’ beautifully transcendental amplifier. I have owned many fine SS, tubed and hybrid models from Pass Labs, Cary Audio, VTL, Goldmund, BAT and Krell, to name a few. Many superb amplifiers to be sure, but to my ears none as musically engaging and “right” as the Innamorata.

I have also found Jeff Wells to be an incredibly accessible and enthusiast-centered audio guru (as is Nelson Pass). I have on good information that Wells’ Commander preamplifier (in Level II fitment especially) is as stupefyingly musical as his amplifiers. 
I presently own an Aesthetix Janus Signature tube-hybrid pre, and it’s my benchmark thus far. The Aesthetix team is also a great enthusiast-oriented group who really support their products. I’ve not been tempted to part with the Janus Sig until now.

Has anyone had sufficient experience with both preamps so as to offer insight? My system presently consists of the Innamorata Sig, Janus Sig pre, PS Audio DirectStream Mk2, Rega P9/Aphetta2 driving Alon Exotica loudspeakers and stereo REL T9x subs.

Thanks so much.

klipschking
audibleguy
185 posts
 

I have the Aesthetic Janus Signature also and can say it is a great preamp and the company and factory are top notch. They have always been available and offer some decent, price sensible upgrades. I am keeping mine as well as a couple others and will just switch them out as I want a different sound.

jriggy's avatar
jriggy
567 posts
 

I’ve owned the Innamerata Signature for over 10 years now. It is indeed a superb amplifier. I’ve honestly for years wondered why this amp didn’t get a little more known. One thing that Jeff always used to say about the amp is that it has “no solid state artifacts” and it is so true! No little tonal anomalies or ‘cold’ or ‘sterile’ spots anywhere, ever.  
I’ve had the amp through three different speakers. And the couple or few amps I have tried against it, did not meet its size/scaling or its clarity and openness. And like you said, OP, it is supremacy musical. 
‘I have honestly felt lucky for a decade that this amp is so good and I have not even had to think about swapping it, even though I tried once. 
 

I have also now over the last year been using the Wells Commander II Level II preamp. It is indeed more of the same. Balanced frequency presentation, robust and solid bass, great mids and highs that do whatever the tubes in the DAC sends it. The stage and imaging is noticeably rock solid, compared to my last preamp. How stable the images are in space is very good. And still detailed at low volume. 

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