Anyone heard the E.A.R. "Acute"?

In absolute terms, what isn't overpriced in high-end audio? I personally would not buy anything for the listed manufacture price, but that could just be me. The build quality may not be as good as other competitors, but everybody I've talked to (dealers and non-dealers) say Tim's circuitry design is unbelievable which is the reason the sound quality is so good. Granted, he could use better parts. but that would certainly drive the price even more which would exclude me from being able to buy. I can understand your issues with the parts he uses though. If you can find a used EAR Acute 3, I would say the price is worth the performance, even with the questions about the build quality. The flexibility of tube rolling is a bonus as well to help tailor the design to your liking. There is much debate in the digital world though and beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

@taters. I be heard some of the same comments however when it comes to sound quality they sound great. I'm glad it delivers sound wise because they cost more than other brands but if you are seeking sound quality as a first on your check list they are a must try. Build quality could be better but I rather say that thang be unhappy sound wise. You can get both but that will cost you a recent model used car. Lol.

Tried the Siemens 6922 - WOW! All the attributes are correct - very neutral without any body whatsoever. Detailed, fast, and open. i loved the Siemens on some types of music but miss the warmth/richness on some types of genres. I was actually surprised how neutral the sound was. I have laid back speakers in my Sonus Faber Olympica's and EL34's in my Primaluna. Luckily it is relatively easy to change out. Think I will experiment with some Amperex White Labels and maybe 1 mallard to have on hand and that should do it. The Ediswans could also be in the mix. Let me know what you hear CalvinJ. CalvinJ, do you take the recommendation of having the volume output turned all the way up on the EAR Acute and then adjust the volume accordingly on your amp/integrated amp?

Tim doesn't put "boutique" parts in EAR products not to save money, but because he doesn't find they lead to better sound or greater reliability. What he DOES do is use parts with voltage ratings that exceed the voltages the parts will see in the circuit they are used in.

Two other designer/manufactures who share Tim's view on this subject are Roger Modjeski and Frank Van Alstine, both known for offering products with very high price-to-performance ratios. There are some other companies selling higher priced electronics that never-the-less contain parts with voltage ratings barely meeting what the circuits they are used in call for, leading to those products less-than-stellar reliability record.

Didn't know that Bdp24 - thanks for sharing