Amplifiers:A Keeper for Life. Do you know of one ?

Pubul57 - I also did not do a VAC vs "the world" contest. My prior amp was a McCormack DNA-500, which I still have and which will eventually go into a 2nd system, hopefully. I listened to a wide range of both solid state and tube amps ranging from inexpensive to very expensive and decided to go with the VAC Phi 300.1 for my system. I also know Kevin, have owned his products before, and like and appreciate both his gear and the caring, professional manner in which he does business. He is one of the "good guys". My amplifier quest is over for the foreseeable future. Fortuitously, my new speakers have a tremendous synergy with my VAC gear, so I smile every day.

Atma-Sphere MA2 MkIII

McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev.B spec'd,matched and monoblocked by Cris and Steve...ok, ok, so the faceplates are a slight shade apart and the really cool blue lights don't match(one is kinda purple, but Steve said it wouldn't affect performance and I believe him) can't ask an amp to do more than they do..and there a few upgrades left to do....which is the beauty of owning McCormacks ...they can only get better

Amber Series 70. Stupid good for the money. My 22-yr-old 70wpc still keeps beating all comers. I'm ordering in an Onkyo A-9555 integrated. We shall see.

It's obviously neutral from the get-go, but deceptively, seductively, unfailingly musical and compels you to listen to the music.

I'm not saying it's the best. It just does what it does, which is what it's supposed to do.

I sold the keeper. I thought the CAT JL2 was a KFL, but when I heard the Atma-sphere M-60s on my system with the Merlins that are very OTL friendly...well the CAT is gone. I still think the CAT will sound better with more speakers, but if OTL can work with your speakers it is very special indeed. Now if you have a CAT, there really is no reason to think of something else, except for the fact this hobby doesn't isn't really a hobby if you keep anything for life.