Clayton Audio - Alive and very well

Audiobrian-

Did you hear his lower powered offerings, the S40 and S100? If one has efficient speakers, a moderate sized room, and does not listen at high volume levels, would, say, a S40 deliver at the same performance level as your S2000??

I picked up a pair of upgraded M300's here about 18 months ago. Fed by a PS Audio PCA-2 preamp w/ Cullen high power mod (also bought here) I've found them to be the most colorful amps I've owned. Plus they keep the living room warm this time of year. :)

Hi Weebeesdad
Sorry I've been away from the forums for awhile.  Yes I have heard Claytons lower powered offerings and the family resemblance is very much present!
Given the right speakers and room the S40 and especially S100 can indeed approach the S2000 in performance.  I recently heard some really good and $$$ Constellation and Soulution amplifiers.  I preferred the natural and spacial presentation of the S2000!  With a VAC preamplifier feeding a Clayton amplifier... Really special!!    Thanks and belated happy new year😊

"and each and every amplifier is hand built by him"... ...Maybe a cool thing to own an amp made this way but I don't think Id drop $5500/$8500 ++++ on a product with no customer support if and when this one individual retires or....just me, but I want a customer/ dealer support base that's broad and solid into the future and not based on one guy making amps..way too boutique for me

missioncoonery

You present a valid perspective, one which I adhered to strictly in my earlier years as an audiophile.  I first owned a complete Mark Levinson system and enjoyed it. I also tried Krell and Pass, also very fine products and companies...but until I tried a, then, boutique manufacturer in North Carolina called VAC and also Clayton Audio in St Louis I never realized the true potential of high end musicality.
i have not looked back or to other manufacturers since (nearly 20 years) only upgrading to their newer products when feasible.  I feel fortunate to have strayed from the major manufacturer bandwagon when I did.  That said, we do spend considerable money on our hobby and I do understand wanting to safeguard your investment.  I've had great support from VAC and Clayton over the years, but fortunately the need was rare.  Good listening!