PS Audio BHK 300 mono VS Modwright KWA 150SE mono VS D'agostino Classic stereo

I completely agree that tubes should be in any system in which 3.7s are the loudspeaker.  I got great results with a tube preamp mated to a high current solid state amp.  With good source material such a setup performs at a level with systems costing more IMHO. With poor source material though 3.7s are an unforgiving mistress.  

I've been very happy with the D'Agostino Classic Stereo driving Magico.

teeshot: "I completely agree that tubes should be in any system in which 3.7s are the loudspeaker. I got great results with a tube preamp mated to a high current solid state amp. With good source material such a setup performs at a level with systems costing more IMHO. With poor source material though 3.7s are an unforgiving mistress."

Exactly. Perhaps even more so with the 7.2s due to that 6k peak. Same goes for amps with a hot treble region or a lean overall balance.

Best to you teeshot,
Dave

I think you’ve made your point Charles and we all agree. Listening is the best way to choose an amp but specs are not meaningless. The only remaining problem is that sometimes you need to listen for weeks or months to really get the sound of an amplifier and decide it’s the right one. I don’t think Thieliste’s dealer will be willing to hang out that long.

Tomcy6,
Good point in regard to long term listening and living with a component. A short term home audition is useful and beats no opprotuhnity to audition. Thieliste can achieve some degree of valuable insight with the Aelius paired with his Thiels. 
Charles