what is the best amp you've ever heard

For tube amps, I'd have to say a pair of very rare Tube Research monoblock amps driving Soundlab A-1 speakers was awesome. For solid-state, I still love the sound of the old Mark Levinson 20.6 mono amps as being my favorite, certainly much better than their newer models.

symphonic line still is my benchmark for price no object....then marantz 8b(and the vac reissue), any variety of the mac mc275, CJ MV125(no need for more)..........the finest budget integrated bar none, the revox ellegance S25, more performance per dollar than anything i've ever heard.....classic marantz receivers in the right system are still at the top also.

I think a pair of atmasphere's ma2's driving a pair of soundlab A-1 speakers; for solid state a upgraded pair of mccormack dna-1 monoblocks driving a pair of merlin 4b+'s had a very stunning sound;but hands down the OTL's of atmasphere are the best I have ever heard.

Pass Aleph 1.2 monoblocks. they converted a pair of the somewhat forward-sounding B&W-801S3 Matrix speakers to near state-of-the-art. they always said the 801's wouldn't reach their full potential without the right electronics. the 1.2's may not be sufficient for speakers that dip into low impedences, but my brother's pair has never disappointed him on any speaker he has tried. i dare nelson pass to re-issue them- the XA-200.5's are out of my price range...

...the new chalice audio 'grail' set is the best tube amp i have ever heard...( see the review on positive feedback ) there is ..as i understand it...another review coming out in the near future that will also state the superb sonic abilities of this amp.