D'Agostino vs. Ayre

Yes I have heard the Ref V2 but never the original. Obviously I'm a dCS fan but could live with the Berkeley easily. It's clearly in the vanguard of digital evolution. Saw your posts on the digital forum BTW. 

About three more weeks til I should see the D'Agostino amp. Was chatting with an old friend yesterday. He has listened to a Lot of Wilson speakers over the years. He said the best sound he ever heard from Wilson's was with VTL amplification. He suggested I check out a VTL S-400 II. (Sigh)...

some thoughts but i am biased..but i also dont change gear constantly..

ayre VX-R Twenty driving Vandersteen 7 MK2

are they dark ? no
the amp might not have to be the last word in low end because Vandersteen has a built in LF amp and 11 band EQ.

the carbon / balsa drivers are highly pistonic. Most but not all other drivers have significant out of phase breakup. the transparency of the Ayre gear shines thru IMO. you might want to watch Richards video on Pistonic laser scanning to visually see what drivers do. The driver he is comparing to is a very highly regarded ( by reviewers ) paper cone but on his patented V / scanspeak frame so we are looking at cone effects only

but i think it is good you will have both amps to listen to

I'm looking forward to hearing your opinion.