Beyond Ayre Pass and Rowland


What would it be? Transistor or Hybrid. This is a general discussion.
I heard that Gryphon and Ypsilon qualify but I didn't audition either. Lamm hybrid does too, I believe.
inna
Hello Inna,
The particular Ypsilon amplifier I referred to was I believe in the 80K range at the time (2011). My friend’s Absolare Passion Signature when he purchased them were 52K (2013). No question that both are Uber priced audio components. I haven’t enough listening experience with the Accuphase to render an opinion. They’re certainly held in very high esteem by many experienced listeners.  Yes the Viva Aurora amplifier is DHT tubes powered. Driving Trenner-Friedl  speakers at CES was one of the best rooms I've ever heard at an audio show. 

Hello Joey and jlaz,
Please understand that my comments regarding listening impressions are obviously subjective and personal. I made it very clear that this is all about individual taste. No question that the Boulder sound could be simply ideal for what you desire and nothing sounds better in your system. I wouldn’t even begin to argue or dispute your preferences.

It’s impossible for me to hear all of these Uber amplifiers compared directly in the same system under controlled conditions, it will never happen. I’m simply sharing my listening impressions limited by real world constraints. I hope that factor is very obvious and that I’m not making any sort of proclamation. My "dry and flat" could be "neutral and accurate" to another listener and I recognize that point.
Charles,
Charles,
We must have similar taste. I don’t own Absolare, I have all Jeff Rowland components. I have no problem saying, the Absolare is head and shoulders above anything I’ve ever heard. Two days ago I listened at my friends house for 2 1/2 hours and didn’t want to leave. Voices, symbols to die for. Bass didn’t have the power, but I still submit it’s articulate and has incredible tone. If I had the money I would buy them today.
As a matter of fact I told my friend I wanted to sell my Jeff Rowland Corus preamp to get a tube preamp. Any suggestions below 20K?
Charles,
In addition, I  really respect the way you respond to threads. I always say, no absolutes with audio, only preferences!
I've always had decent gear, NAD, Cambridge Audio, etc. Then I had a Luxman integrated that sounded great but never quite had the oomph to really drive my ATC SCM 19's. 

I sold that and replaced it with a Calyx The Integrated. Class D, precise, nicely made, plenty of juice. But kinda boring in sound and completely lacking if features and sex-appeal.

So I stretched a bit and bought an Accuphase E-470. Wow. I'm sure the esoteric brands named in this thread are amazing, but I'm so floored by the music radiating from my speakers. I've been to Axpona a couple times and have listened to some great stereos, but I think the relatively modestly priced Accuphase amp has to qualify for as a player on the realm of great audio.