Willsenton vs Billie MK 1

@troutbum - What are your feelings about the Billie amp and why do you want to change?  

I have had the Billie Mk2 in service for the last 2 years.  Driving Golden Ear BRX monitors.  It sounds good, not great.

Curious to your comments.

Rich 

I was interested in the amps made by Willsenton. I was not particularly put off by Chinese made tube amps since I have a Line Magnetic integrated tube amp now. The R8 was getting rave reviews and I was Iooking hard at the R800i. Then I saw a YouTube audio tech who reviewed these amps and found faults in the design of both amps. Upon looking further I had decided against the brand.

A friend of mine had the Billie as well, but he moved on and didn't look back. But, he has more expensive tastes than I. Actually, I like the Billie. I had been thinking about upgrading from my Merlin TSM MMs, but most advice said keep them and upgrade components. That's where I am.

@troutbum - I really can't fault the Billie, as I realize that my speaker placement is what is causing my dissatisfaction.  I have the Golden Ear BRXs sitting on top of bookcases that are about 5' high.  Speakers sound fine, but only so.  I am not sure how to tweak this system, as long as I am forced with the speaker placement that I have. 

The Merlins have quite a following here.  It also helps that you can't get them any more.  The one speaker that would be/ is my holy grail are the Joseph Audio Pulsars.  But not to put them on top of a bookcase.

What about your current sound is not working for you?  The preamp on the Billie is pretty good.  Maybe a streamer upgrade over the Node?

Rich