Leben CS600 or Atmasphere or ARC

@davehg Max 2 are calmer, less tiring, faster, more dynamic, more detailed, more tangible. Max 2 sound richer and fuller. They also have more accurate image.

However, Nines sound smoother, more romantic. Some people don't like this because the sound is not accurate but I like it. 

It took me about a week to do some A/B comparisons to finally decide to sell Nines.

Luckily, later on I found a digital cable that can make the sound smoother and more romantic. Now Max 2 sound 90% as 'beautiful' as Nines and still keep all their strengths. 


 

op

all that you are considering are good choices, well known, good quality tube amps

the devore 9’s are known to be smooth/warm sounding and moderately high efficiency ... suggest you go with an amp that does not accentuate those sonic qualities even more, and has the power to provide dynamic headroom as needed

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649693502-audio-research-vt80se/ <--- is what i would choose

out of all the amps mentioned on this Page, The Atma-Sphere M60 Full loaded with all option----in my opinion will be the most superior one of the lot. Just pair it with moderately efficient speakers and I bet you will never look around.

I've owned the Leben and the A318B. Very different amps. The Leben is much more illuminated in the mids and highs. Can be bright with the wrong speakers- to me, but most likely not to others. Also the Nines for me did best more power from the Leben until pushed hard when things tended to get a little glossy. I think it's fair to say that the Leben will outperform the Nines and be more of the component to grow with. Beware jumping from Nines into O/93. Very different design and sound much more different than similar. 
@quanghuy147  glad to hear you are still enjoying the Max. Happy spring!