Berkeley Alpha Reference run direct

The Ayre was on my short list.  It's one of the best preamps made.  I went with the Jeff Rowland Criterion.  I wanted to like the Arc Ref 5 (at the time) but I heard tube rush.  The other -Preamp on my list was the Pass.  (Burmeister, mbl  out of my price range).  

The new Rowland stuff intrigues me. Sooner or later I gotta stop shopping. Lol

Jeff Rowland is an amazing man.  And approachable.  You can pick up the phone and call him.