About a year ago, I replaced my 40.1's with 40.2 Anni's and continue to use a Music Reference RM9 MKII with Gold Lion KT88's. It was refurbished by Roger Modjeski a few years before his passing. Along with the VAC 70/70, it has been the best sounding amp I've owned in my 20+ years as an audio enthusiast.
In the 8 years I owned 40.1's, I used the following amps:
- Music Reference RM9 MKII... great amp after refurbishment
VAC PHI 200 (powerful bass, but lacked air and transparency... I was hoping for more out of this VAC amp)VAC 70/70 Signature (130 pound beast, great SQ on vocals, classical and jazz... loved this amp, but a hassle to repair)McIntosh MC275 MKV (fun, gutsy classic amp... recommended)VAC 30/30 MK3 (nice amp with midrange to die for, but could use a more power)Plinius SA-102 in class A (best solid state I've owned)Bryston 4BST (decent value at used prices, but average sound quality)McIntosh MA2275 (too soft and mellow... not recommended)Musical Fidelity M3 Nu-Vista (disappointing... not recommended)