Amps I Like

Hey @atmasphere

That would make sense, but I've heard other amps which make the same claim, at equal or greater prices and for whatever reason I do not like them.

Maybe I should spend a couple of years listening to a variety of Class A/Zero feedback designs.

Best,
Erik

Wow, a lot happened since my last post.
@erik_squires ,
Thanks for the great description of the two amps.
I agree, Ayre has a certain 'something', and I believe Ralph is correct in naming the Zero Feedback circuitry as being implicit for that sound quality. 
It seems I must have a thing for Zero Feedback as I own both the Ayre MX-R's and MA-1's. I never thought I was going to take things this far, but all the great advice from fellow Audiogoners brought me to my current state.
I am waiting for Ralph to introduce his Class D amp. Given his past accomplishments, I can see this future product will give the other Class D manufacturers a real shock.
Bob

Good thread. 

Can you describe what you like about ARC with comparable level of detail to your Ayre description?  Serious request, thanks!  Enjoyable to read

Hi @kren0006

I wouldn’t call the ARC the equal of the Ayre. I would call the ARC a very good integrated, one I could probably live with very happily.


I won’t wax effusively on it because my time with it was short. I would call the ARC a really great exemplar of what modern tubes can do, without sounding overly juicy, overly dark, or overly sterile.


Like a lot of other ARC products right now, the ARC integrated has the modern ARC sound. Extended, no longer as cool or sterile as old ARC (yeah, i said it, come get me) with the frequency extension and power. Easy to listen to and easy to get into the music’s ebb and flow


It may be too "middle of the road" for some, but I heard it with some medmium sized Wilsons and it was really good. Sasha’s maybe?? For the cost, size and easy of living with it is a very good integrated. If you like the modern ARC sound, and want a relatively small single unit to put in with no fuss, at a relatively low price point, it’s a great choice, IMHO.

Like everything, please listen for yourself!! :) Come back after listening and tell me I’m wrong. :)



Best,

Erik

"Debussy understood that a work of art
Or an effort to create beauty, was
Always regarded by some people as a personal attack."

AG @ it's worse reminds me of this....@ it's best, a great place to exchange our thoughts and opinions with resorting to rancor or MHO>YHO....

Hi, Erik. *S*  I think I'll just lurk. ^5's.