Mark Levinson 27.5 versus modern day amps

Ernie I am keeping the VK-55. It’s like the best of both worlds. Tube magic which the 55 is very romantic and the 27.5 "just sounds right". Sorry Conrad Johnson haha :) Everything about it puts a smile on my face. I feel very fortunate to have both and plan on keeping them around for quite awhile. If anything were to change it would be upgrading the VK31SE. BAT preamps seem to be a fantastic match for ML amps so I would think further up the chain could only get better but for the near future I am content. Power cords at the moment are what I am working on to achieve the tone and overall sound I am looking for. The Synergistic Black 10 gauge on both amps for not a lot of money is a great match. Thank Joe at the Cable Company for his recommendation.

As far as Pass amps the only two I have heard are the 150 and 250 and not impressed at all. So trelja I do understand the frustration. Well built and beautiful to look at but ear bleed for me also. The older Threshold Class A amps I have not had the pleasure of listening to one in my system.

It seems the new wave of amps are going digital along with built in dacs and room correction. Personally I think technology is great but there is nothing like looking at a nice beefy ass amp whether it is tube or solid state driving your speakers with authority. I’ll take a 85lb solid state or 60 lb tube amp any day of the year :) No disrespect trust me however, I am old school evidently :)

@inna, yes, I had the Pass Class A amplifier.  And, supposedly, the best sounding of the lineup

That's very sad. I think, American solid state amplification can no longer compete with European and maybe even Australian. Some might say it never could. I don't know this but even if they are right the gap appears to be widening. 

That's very sad. I think, American solid state amplification can no longer compete with European and maybe even Australian. Some might say it never could. I don't know this but even if they are right the gap appears to be widening.

If you go to Europe or Australia they are all lusting for American muscle SS amps.  You always think your neighour's grass is greener.

Had the 27.5 and yes it was a very good amp.   Not the world's best or hidden treasure of high end but still very respectable.  AB against a Soulution poweramp and while it lost out it was not too far behind.  Moved on since long time ago and not look back.