Best midrange on SS amp ?

That's funny, Denf...I have both the ASL Hurricanes (latest version) and the JC-1s in my system right now.

Both are terrific amps, but unfortunately, I need to sell one of the pairs off. After listening to both over the last two months, in my system and to my ears, the 'canes are the better amps. I feel that they exhibit better timbre, more natural midrange, and the soundstage is more holographic and believable. Of course they're also less powered and the bass is much better on the JC-1s. But that triode mode!!

It's all about compromises and what you value most. For me, the 'canes are better by a slim margin. Oh well, to each his own.

I really wish I could afford keep both though! Great amps for the $$!

Pass Labs Aleph-3

You and me both 1markr -- I too wish I could have kept both the 'Cane's and the JC-1's!

I went through the EXACT dilemma of going back and forth between the two, for about 6 weeks. Every time I thought "OK, I'll put the Hurricanes back in the system, and see if there's some midrange magic I've been missing with the JC-1's..", it was never the case. The JC-1's, at least in my system, just never gave up anything to the mighty Hurricanes. Indeed, I actually heard more "detail", more things going on in the recording/s and just better overall musical reproduction with the JC-1's.

Also, the biggest area (and the real clincher in this battle of the power amps) was the high frequency reproduction. With my ML Prodigy's at least, the highs are MUCH more extended and open with the JC-1's. (This slight loss of extension and "air" was in fact what had me restlessly searching, yet again, for something better than the ASL's in the first place).

Also, some recordings that sounded a little "hard", at loud-ish levels with the Hurricanes, the JC-1's simply sail through smooth, and unfazed.

All these things ultimately had me sell the 'Canes and keep the JC-1's, and believe me, I really didn't think anything near the price would un-seat the 'Canes. (I almost lost a bet with a buddy of mine, who also has a pair of JC-1's when I thought for sure, they would "lose", hands down, to the big 'Canes in a friendly shoot-out).

These "differences" are still rather minor, and you are absolutely right, the Hurricanes and JC-1's are both fantastic amps.

(Had I never heard the JC-1's, I still could easily have lived the the 'canes! ;)

Pass Labs Alpeh 0 ( mono's )

Happy Listening