Beyond Ayre Pass and Rowland

Hi ricred1,
Thank you for the kind comments. When expressing opinions on an open forum there's the risk of unintentionally offending someone's cherished audio brand /components of choice. My friend's massive Krells actually sound very good driving the Altairs. The Absolare Passion amplifiers add the dimensionality and breath of life aspect that is hard to describe but unmistakable when present.  So I relate to your Absolare and Jeff Rowland contrast. 
Charles, 

Hello Charles,
Thank you for your comments. Of course, we are not talking about matches and preferences. However, usually a great piece can be recognized by an experienced listener even if the match is not ideal.
If I got it right, Absolare was somewhat deficient in certain aspects of bass reproduction but was absolutely superb in everything else, yes in that particular system.
How did Ypsilon do bass, I wonder?

I am dying to demo both Vitus and Wells Audio amps.
Can any of you guys suggest a USA dealer/retailer? Location?

Inna,
The bass  quality of  an amplifier is so tied to the speaker that you really have to discuss them in tandem as this link is that strongly intertwined. In the example I cited the Rockport Altair is 4 ohms nominal load and drops to roughly 2 ohms in the bass region. I will concede the Krell FPB has excellent control of the Altair woofer and has superior weight, impact and scale. 

However the Absolare Passion is quite accomplished in the bass (by no means is it shabby) with very good texture, articulation and convincing natural bloom and air. So IMO it's a matter of "good" vs exceptionally executed bass performance. I could and would easily live with the Absolare Passion-Altair bass,why? For me it's good enough bass and in virtually every other sonic parameter a sublime amplifier in areas that matter most for my satisfaction. 

Choices and compromises we all must decide individually. If I were to own the Absolare I'd just find a speaker with a less demanding load and thus more compatible with this brilliant amplifier. When I heard the Ypsilon amplifier it was driving Tidal speakers and there were no bass issues that I detected.  Again,  appropriate speaker match. 
Charles, 

Ricred1,
There are many excellent tube preamps in the price range you stated. Here’s a short list. Three I’ve heard and know well.
Atma-Sphere MP-1 MK III
Coincident Statement Line Stage
VAC Signature MK II

Three based on trusted word of mouth.
Shindo Vosne-Romanee
Shindo Masseto 
Melody Pure Black 101d
Charles,