AGD Duet Monoblocks

I’ve posted this before in other threads but I’ve been a tube amp guy since hearing my first tube amp about 12 years ago. I’ve probably had 15 or so amps in and out of my system with most being tube amps but also some solid state and A couple other class d amps. Whenever I went away from tube amps I always went back as I just couldn’t capture the texture and palpability in the music I get with tube amps. A couple solid state came very close like the First Watt SIT3 and Coda S5.5, with the Coda probably being my favorite solid state before AGD. I will just say that when I tried the AGD Tempo amp I was blown away that I didn’t miss my tube amp. I wound up upgrading to the AGD Duets and love them. Sold a few other amps including an LTA Ref 40+ and the Coda and a Primaluna. Loved all those amps and could’ve lived with any as a final amp but the AGD just doesn’t really leaving me wanting for anything. I did hang on to my Line Magnetic LM845 amp which is a great change of pace from the AGD and I just love how the LM sounds and looks but because it runs so hot and I’m in Phoenix I use the AGDs 60-70% of the time. The LM throws a bit of a broader higher sound stage but it’s not as precise or detailed and has to be paired with the right speaker. I got it at a steal of a price and I’ll keep it as long as I can, but I never hook the AGDs up and think “can’t wait for it to cool down so I can go back to the tubes.” I actually usually remark on how I’m hearing more into the music without losing what I love about tubes. I pair them with an LTA preamp and sometimes a Don Sachs preamp and I love the sound and versatility with the AGD amps. Of If I had to go to 1 amp this would be it. 

Talking about THE AGD Duets, I listen to them in last year's audio show here in California and all I want to say is, it an end game power amp if match to the corresponding speaker. it just sings and sounds beautifully. it pairs well with a variety of speakers. 

however, the OP said he has the gryphon gear. Well, that IMHO, is my end game.

the choice to move to and AGD gear and live with its house sound MAY or may NOT be suitable. it's a choice the OP has to considered. if I was in that position, i would audition the AGD before making the switch. 

I heard the Gryphon and I in my personal Opinion only, I will not switch as I compared them in that show. I did that comparison and in knowing that agd will present their best gear, and Gryphon, too. based on my listening comparison, the gryphon still is my choice. But the AGD comes very close

I have had the AGD Gran Vivace MkIIIs for a couple of years (replacing tube monos), which I just recently upgraded to MkIV status. $1500 for the tubes and $400 for the new power supply boards, resulting in basically a completely new pair amplifiers operating at the level of amps at a fundamentally higher price point. Alberto is the real deal as are his components. My Fyne 703s are 94 percent efficient, and the AGDs are absolutely dead-nutz quiet into them...

Some resounding endorsements, thanks.

Hi @lance348 , I don't have experience with the Duets but I have been using a pair of Audions in my system for 3 years now. You asked about clarity, microdetail, and imaging. In my system (Avantgarde Duo) the AGD amps deliver this effortlessly and without any strain/edge. I was a long-term advocate of valve amps but since moving to the Audions I doubt I'll ever go back or to Class A or A/B. 

In my system the speakers are very efficient and any noise from the amps is distracting. The Audions produce no noise even with my ear right up to the horns. I believe Alberto's design principles mean that the signal is amplified with a sort of purity that only the very best amps deliver (but sometimes with some residual hiss/noise).

The other benefit with Class D amps is you can leave them on all day/night without worry energy consumption. It's 32'C here in UK and most of us don't have aircon. I wouldn't have been able to listen in comfort with my previous valve amp due to the heat it produced.

Finally, in my experience, Alberto is a true gentleman and enthusiast. He has always responded to anything I've asked even when it's been obvious I don't have anything like his technical knowledge!