Why no threads on OTL amps?

Twl In defense of Jtinn I would like to say this, he has always let it be know he is a dealer in each thread he is involved in where he offers an opinion or rave. I certainly sense his enthusiasm for the Tenor and have come to highly respect his input. The Tenor has really gotten high praise from every corner. Then again I would expect nothing less based on its price. If it turns out to be a mirage, the company won't last. I would love to hear it in my system but I could never justify to myself (or wife) spending that much money on an amplifier.

I am probably not as critical of this as you might be since you are an insider and better know than I how it works. You make some interesting points. I on the other hand have never been involved in the audio industry. There is not one individual that could ever pursuade me that one thing is better than another. Only my ears will do that. One of the most important things I always try to convey to anyone seeking my opinion is that yes, you may respect it but to ALWAYS trust your own ears first. Opinions from trusted peers just help narrow down the choices.

I also feel it is useless to compare two completely different and unfamiliar systems and try to attribute the sound of one over the other to a particular component, there are too many variables. The big plus for the Berning amp over the others is not whether it is the absolute "best" but all the pluses it offers over other OTL's including cost. My assessment using that criteria is, nothing I'm aware of comes close. Others may look at that comment as a compromise when to them only the "best" counts regardless of anything else. Unfortunately best often times is associated to price and it is not always true.

And thanks Twl for starting the thread. I hope it has the benefit of opening the eyes and ears of those that are looking for something they haven't yet heard that resides only in OTL designs.

Just for the record Tubegroover, I haven't worked in audio for almost 10 years now. I feel bad about hammering Jtinn like I did, but when you are an audiophile and you hear stuff like I heard at trade shows, it really scorches your hide. They want to herd us around like livestock to the slaughter with their hype and magazine reviews. Now, I know there are alot of great products out there and I am not going to say that 1 product is best for everyone, and am sure that you or Jtinn would feel similarly. I am just very sensitive about the revolving door of product hype based on the need to sell. Sorry If I offended anyone(Jtinn). I have no knowledge of him personally doing any of the negative things I mentioned above.

Twl: The comment you made has no foundation on fact. You heard two totally different systems with all different components and made a statement about the amplifiers. It is improper and highly incorrect (maybe subjective). I do not need to recuse myself because I do not feel I am improperly participating.

I agree with your concerns about the audio industry and feel as do you. I do not need to sell anything or hype anything just for the sake of making a buck. I like music and what gets me closer to the live experience. I enjoy helping others in that search as well. If it is profitable, at times, great, if not, great too. I think most people I deal with respect the fact that I have a decent ear and speak of what I know and have experienced, not what makes me money.

You seem to be a straight shooter and talk passionately. I respect that and look forward to your future posts.

Best Regards,

Jonathan

If I read this correctly, it seems to me that twl's criticisms of certain products being "flavors of the month" and individuals possibly "taking a bath" on resale of said products, could be accurately applied to srause's experience with the Berning, no? Hmmmm.....

Mes, I highly doubt that anyone is going to "take a bath" on a 4.5k amp when upgrading to one 4 times the price. I don't see the relevance of your post nor understand your point. Used Bernings don't seem to hang around on the market long. Berning's reputation seems to have been built on word of mouth more than marketing hype. Maybe another reason for the relative obscurity of his products to most audiophiles. His approach appears more 'take it or leave it". He doesn't need to push his products and if you weren't aware, has been around much longer than most of the other well known hi-end manufacturers with very few exceptions. The reason? low overhead and product acceptance. The guy hand makes each amp in his home. Now that's what I call sticking to basics.