Gra3--the reason I felt the need to weigh in is that your post contradicted my direct experience in a pretty drastic way. Unfortunately, your second post does not really merit any further response, you clearly have personal issues both with Frank and anyone that has had an excellent experience with him. I am a little surprised that you imagine that the original poster or anyone else is interested in listening to such an attitude.
In any case, Jimheard, let me encourage you to take a look at one of the Van Alstine hybrid tube/ss amps, they are not tubey in any bad way and you are still "solid". Frank's solid state gear is good, but the unconventional tube/ss hybrid is where you get to see a bit of the genius.
One straightforward option is to pick up the phone and call both designers, btw. That should clarify things that may seem muddied by someone's personal issues here.
In any case, Jimheard, let me encourage you to take a look at one of the Van Alstine hybrid tube/ss amps, they are not tubey in any bad way and you are still "solid". Frank's solid state gear is good, but the unconventional tube/ss hybrid is where you get to see a bit of the genius.
One straightforward option is to pick up the phone and call both designers, btw. That should clarify things that may seem muddied by someone's personal issues here.