Theta Enterprise or Ayre V1x with Vandy 5A

I have owned both the Enterprises and the Citadels. The Enterprises are nice but to compare them to the Citadels there really isn't much of a comparsion there is nothing the Citadels cannot do, the highs are great the bass is so taut, transparent, soundstage is so large and deep-in another world i could go on and on a true high end amp.!!! The Ayre will not be in the same league with the Citadels. If u got the money get them!!! If not get the Enterprises which are quite good. Citadels are one of the top amps ever made all reviews rave about them and they are that good find a pair and try umm!!

Hi,
I agree with Rex on the cable point. I've used K-B cables and they're great...but I also noticed a softening of the midbass and a lessening of PRAT. Try other cables before you spend megabucks on another amp.
As for the amps, I suggest that you add another brand to your considerations. A new BEL 1001 Mk V will be as good or better than the Theta or Ayre for less money. Call Audio Concepts in Houston if you want a dealer opinion. Last I checked they carry all three brands. The one they use with the 5As in the high end room is the BEL.
Don't get me wrong, none of these amps are bad choices. But, I have BEL amps at home and have heard many others. There is simply no way to convince you without having you hear them. So if you decide to buy amps, try going to a dealer who can demo them on 5As for you.
Good luck!
Michael

Know way a Bel is better than a Citadel!

Hi Worldcat,
I'm not sure what you base this on but you're certainly entitled to your opinion. As with any component YMMV in any given system.
That said...I'll happily put the BEL amps up against anything out there. If you can find something better I'll be impressed. If it's at all better, the next question I'll have for you is what is the price difference? At under $4K each, they're VERY affordable compared to the Citadels. I don't think most people will consider them though because they're hard to find and rarely reviewed. Plus, they don't have the "looks" of the Theta...or the price.
Don't get me wrong, the Theta amps are spectacular! I just happen to like the BEL more based on my experience.

although i have not heard the vandy 5a's. i love thiels 2.3's with my pass labs x-350. you get all the benefits of tubes without the litations. the good thing about the pass is they all have the same sonic signature and musicality from the x-150 upto the x-350. the x-600 are only 15% better sounding than the x-150's.

Certainly worth a home audition.
dave