Clayton Audio - Alive and very well

Hi Weebeesdad
Sorry I've been away from the forums for awhile.  Yes I have heard Claytons lower powered offerings and the family resemblance is very much present!
Given the right speakers and room the S40 and especially S100 can indeed approach the S2000 in performance.  I recently heard some really good and $$$ Constellation and Soulution amplifiers.  I preferred the natural and spacial presentation of the S2000!  With a VAC preamplifier feeding a Clayton amplifier... Really special!!    Thanks and belated happy new year😊

"and each and every amplifier is hand built by him"... ...Maybe a cool thing to own an amp made this way but I don't think Id drop $5500/$8500 ++++ on a product with no customer support if and when this one individual retires or....just me, but I want a customer/ dealer support base that's broad and solid into the future and not based on one guy making amps..way too boutique for me

missioncoonery

You present a valid perspective, one which I adhered to strictly in my earlier years as an audiophile.  I first owned a complete Mark Levinson system and enjoyed it. I also tried Krell and Pass, also very fine products and companies...but until I tried a, then, boutique manufacturer in North Carolina called VAC and also Clayton Audio in St Louis I never realized the true potential of high end musicality.
i have not looked back or to other manufacturers since (nearly 20 years) only upgrading to their newer products when feasible.  I feel fortunate to have strayed from the major manufacturer bandwagon when I did.  That said, we do spend considerable money on our hobby and I do understand wanting to safeguard your investment.  I've had great support from VAC and Clayton over the years, but fortunately the need was rare.  Good listening!
   

Hi Phil
Clayton Audio amplifiers are, in my opinion, extremely musical.  They sound very clear and detailed, but also full bodied without "syrup". They have great authority but deliver finesse as well.  They are suited for all types of music and home theater, if you wish.  They mate beautifully with solid state and tube                    preamplifiers.  Using my M200's and now my S2000 I have driven many low and medium sensivity dynamic loudspeakers.  Although I had a pair of Martin Logan
electrostats many years ago, I still had Levinson gear back then. However, I have no doubts that the M200/M300/S2000 would sound fabulous with your ESL loudspeakers.  Wilson Shen is a remarkable designer and electrical engineer and stands behind his amplifiers, but his company is relatively small, to missioncoonery's point.  If you're looking for a great full bodied, detailed and musical solid state amplifier to drive your ESL's, I believe you will be most delighted with Clayton Audio!  If within your budget, you might consider a newer unit as Mr Shen has improved his power supplies in 2012-2013. (Upgrades have been quite infrequent) They have a somewhat commercial appearance (the S2000 the most attractive) but are built like tanks, to last and deliver wonderful music for years.  All the best!