IMHO: On balance, a really well-matched SS is my preference because (and this opinion is liable to be wrong) ... because the "gap" between tube and SS seems to be narrowing.
The Aavik was as "musical" as most amps I have heard. Certainly "musical" enough for my tastes, but that doesn't count for much.
What surprises me a little is the lack of any comment on D'Agostino Momentum's here. I have heard these several times, but not with Raidho, I wonder what that combo would be like? While Momentums look terrific, I suspect I would put my hard-earned $'s on an Aavik or an upgrade on the Chord's, which currently do a terrific job for me, even a humble little SPM600 which I have.
I have just played Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" LP (quite loud). My little D3-Chord combo genuinely worked to me: the pace, the separation, the performance (especially the drumming), the staging and quality of everything shone out as never before. It was like listening to this classic for the first time :-) ... this is really what it's all about. Next stop: Beethoven quartets.
The Aavik was as "musical" as most amps I have heard. Certainly "musical" enough for my tastes, but that doesn't count for much.
What surprises me a little is the lack of any comment on D'Agostino Momentum's here. I have heard these several times, but not with Raidho, I wonder what that combo would be like? While Momentums look terrific, I suspect I would put my hard-earned $'s on an Aavik or an upgrade on the Chord's, which currently do a terrific job for me, even a humble little SPM600 which I have.
I have just played Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" LP (quite loud). My little D3-Chord combo genuinely worked to me: the pace, the separation, the performance (especially the drumming), the staging and quality of everything shone out as never before. It was like listening to this classic for the first time :-) ... this is really what it's all about. Next stop: Beethoven quartets.