JC1 upgrade to Lamm M2.2 or dartzeel 108B or Ayre?

My 2 cents? I've owned Dartzeel (and really miss it). I currently own 40.1's, SF Strads, Conrad Johnson ART monos and ARTsa with a GAT.

You CJ preamp with the Dartzeel will be outstanding on the 40's. No doubt. Power with the Dartzeel should be enough to drive them to satisfactory levels. CJ ART or ARTsa will be also be amazing on the Harbeth.

Both the Lamm and Ayre will be a different kind of good. To my ear, Dartzeel and Conrad Johnson are amazing pieces. I have not tried the new current Ayre 20 series gear but like the non 20 gear enough to recommend you get an audition. A friend owned the mid level Ayre and it sounds really good.

Another amp I absolutely love on the Harbeth with my GAT preamp is a Hegel H30. The H30 is an outstanding performer.

Joe, it's interesting to read the amps you like as all sound so different to my ears. I have owned CJ and listened to all the Art gear (going out later today to audition the CJ ART gear with B&W's which I don't usually like. Will be interesting.

I own an Ayre Ax7e (selling it off) and am waiting on my Ayre AX5/20 based off of hearing the 20 ref gear. Holy crap what a difference.

I have heard the Dartzeel amps once and liked what they did, but for my the Ayre bested them overall. Those new Ayre pieces take them to a special place and I think in time will be considered must auditions (as if they aren't already). The only times I"ve heard Hegel they were very tipped up on top. Not distorted like many pieces out there, but just not as coherent as I'm used to. They make great gear though, that's for sure. Nice price points for all they give you in their DAC/integrateds. JMHO

This whole crap about Harbeth needs SS is started non other than his highness Alan Shaw. Sorry, but I really find him heavily opinionated and someone who likes to force his opinion down the throat of the audience.

Lesser known, I heard BSC (Bully Sound Company) class A amps with Harbeth's 30.1. They were awesome.

Ctsooner,

Not to derail this thread, but at the right price, the H30 is a good deal. I am not crazy about the lower end Hegel gear, but that's me.

I have not heard Lamm and JC-1's. I really should so I can comment on them.

I usually prefer a softer/sweeter sound overall, just my personal preference.

I am sure the Ayre 20 series (all versions) is superb. I am afraid to hear the new KX-R Twenty and MX-R Twenty.

Conrad Johnson has always been my go to amazing favorite. Tremendous 3D, multi-layering, totally grain-free and ever so slightly sweet with a wide and deep soundstage.