The Best Amplifier Ever ?


OK, let's get the straight scoop! Stereophile reviewers want to push the Halcro dm58 (and presumably the dm68) into a newly formed A+ category because it is the best amplifier ever. For a moment, let's assume something like a "best" can exist, at least for one person at a time. Is this the end for all other amps in the proximate price range? Paul Bolin used words like "jaw dropping" and "utter disbelief" -- Oh I know that journalists like that kind of thing, but Mr. Bolin basically says that nothing else comes close to comparison. No contest. Not in the same league. Even in Stereophile, I can't recall something quite that glowing (except maybe for the Boulder 2008 phono preamp). What do you think?
ozfly
Cary Anniversary 805's with 6SL7 input tubes. I've owned two pairs of 805C's with 6SN7's and 6SL7's. I own a pair of Anniversary 805's with the 6SL'7s and have owned a pair of Anniversary with the 6SN'7. The Anniversarys normally come with the 6SN'7s. "BIG MISTAKE HERE" The 805 Anniversary with the 6SL7's just sound more musically correct from top to bottom. I didn't like the 6SN'7 version at all. These amps are really incredibale and are very hard to beat and in this version I would take on all challengers bar none. In my opinion one of the very best amps every produced. Try it; you'll like it I swear
such a question is really academic. the best amp for an electrostatic speaker is not necessarily the best amp for a horn speaker. the best low powered amp for a horn speaker would not drive a magnepan.

what are the criteria for "the best amp" ?

it is better to ask "what is my favorite amp and why" ?

too many of the questions which include the word "best" are so open ended that the answers may not be applicable to all situations.
Rhagen: you forgot to include the Acoustic Reality Thauma Turge mono amps. One audiophile replaced three pairs(!) of his WAVAC SH-833's (which are included in you list) with the Acoustic Realities.

Chris
I didn't inclue the Acoustic Reality amps because I don't like them. They sound very detailed but cold and unmusical to me.