Most resolving, transparent amps.

Tvad, FWIW, "The ultimate resolving maching" means different things to different folks. All depends on what your goal actually is, I think.

For in my home, example using a Wadia direct into my old SF monos into my Silverlines and playing a Shirly Horn recording "Here's To Life" I got an absolutely focused and hugh sound stage. I could hear every room resonance in the recording. I'm sure some folks would have considered this high frequency reproduction and soundstaging outstanding. Personally I just found it totally an unrealistic reproduction of information on the disc which should have remained in the subliminal noise field. Same recording, same speakers, thru a pre-amp and I lost a bit of the "highs" but now the recording was warm and very engaging. Now that, for me anyway, is the 'ultimate'. Something that resembles music.

I'm not so sure I would feel that way if I were focused on listening to recordings of train whistles! :-)

To answer your question, Bubul57, absolutely great recordings sound better on highly resolving systems.

Muralman1, I agree. It is why I have a "transparent" setup, and a "musicality" setup. The easiest wat to do that I think is neutrality throughout, and "voicing" with a preamp.

I am currently using a Marsh a400s amp coupled with a Superphon Dual Mono preamp (upgraded and modified by Stan Warren), and speakers with internal crossover by Stan Warren, and also interconnects and speaker cables by Stan. He also recommended the speaker drivers. This is the best combination I've heard, including all the high end audio retailers I've visited. I've also used my Supratek Sauvignon preamp in this system, but still prefer the Superphon preamp. The music reproduction is nothing short of superb in all regards, including all the criteria mentioned above. I'd like to try a Superphon 120 amp, but have so far been unable to locate a used one.

waltcertain

Pubul57, I think your partly correct in regards to two type of systems. An accurate but high quality system will not be forgiven of poor recordings. On the other hand a system that colors the music may sound good regardless of the quality of the recording.

Muralman1, poorly recorded CDs are not difficult to find unless most of your CDs are fairly new.

PHD, since I changed my SCs to very short ribbons, I have had to toss out a few more. With few exceptions, all my CDs are fairly new. I entered the Audio race just eight years ago. Older CDs I bought have been largely terrible.

Red Wine Audio.
Being off the grid, you won't get a quieter background.
That naturally leads to a resolving ability that you have to
hear to appreciate.

...if price is not an object.......then my answer would be the 'grail' amp that chalice audio makes...there is a current review on 'positive feedback's website...by far the best i have heard...price no object...you'll hear more about these in the future..not for everyone ..but for those that want 'the best'...these might be the answer...