I'm the buddy Glreno let borrow his Antares. I had been driving my BC Acoustique Niles (93 db floor standers) with an Air Tight ATM-1, which I consider an outstanding amp. I'll say this. . .after listening to the Antares for less than an hour, I knew I had to have one. I kept the Antares for a week while GL was out of town, during which time I listened pretty extensively. It pained me to return it, so I bought one. . .should get it next week. I've owned some pretty good amps; Aronov LS9100 monos, Bryston 7B-ST's, Bel Canto 200.4. Nothing comes even close to the Antares. It is absolutely stunning. No need to regurgitate what GL said, his assessment is right on.
My Niles have large (10") internal drivers which all of my tube amps had difficulty keeping tight. . .always a little soft and, at times, mushy. The SS gear handled the bass, but I missed the mid range liquidity of tubes. I had thought about bi-amping; keeping the ATM-1 and adding perhaps a Bel Canto for the bass. Then I heard the Antares. The Antares does it all and does it right! The sound stage is stunning as well.
Finally, it's one cool looking amp! Kind of a futuristic-minimalist look. KR did this one up right in all areas. You owe it to yourself to hear this amp. . .better yet, buy it.
