Tube Research Labs Solid State Designs

Thx Kurt and Tony for your opinions on the subject
I beleive kurt nailed it when he said "it's really a chocolate or vanilla with these"

There both great amps
Synergy is important and my setup can go either way
I have a pre amp that is very much neutral
Ribbon speakers with a fostex driver that are considered forward sounding (Tonian Acoustics NFSM)
Tubed digital that is warm and organic
And Cables that border on the warm and ogranic side

I listen to many different types of music be it rock jazz blues and classical

I prefer a very natural sound and would like my amplifier to simply reproduce the recording as is.. be it good or bad.

I'm also in the latter stage of treating the room and first reflection points
The room has less than desirable acoustics and is something that I need to consider when looking for my next amp upgrade

I am playing around with room treatment as well right now. I am also adjusting toe-in on my speakers and finding that makes a big difference in the soundstage and imaging. I do have a nasty bass reflection though that tends to throw the bass on the towards the other side of the soundstage. I guess a bass trap or plant behind the speakers might help this.

If you prefer natural sound and accurate reproduction you just nailed the D-225. I know we have spoken about this a lot recently but that sums it up right there. As Kurt said the value factor is very high and you would have to spend significantly more to achieve the same results with other equipment.

Bluemike,
I enjoyed the Tonian TLM's for quite awhile and if your Tonians are close I would lean hard toward the TRL with these. I know thier sensitivity cries for tubes...and they sound quite good with many tube amps...but I think the TRL (at least with the TLM-1's) will give you more.

I had the Audiopax when Tony delivered my speakers and when we took the Audiopax out and put the stellavox in the speakers really came to life.

Kurt I appreciate your honesty
I will settle for the Tube Research Labs over the Audiopax
based on your humble recommendations

Tony I want to thank-you for your help as well
I will be purchasing the D 225 and may have a few more questions along the way

One question for the road
Is the Trl strictly Class A
I currently have a blue circle power conditioner which I have been plugging my amps into would the blue circle be able to handle the 225 watts of the Trl Amp

I'm not so sure
I have been told by some it wont be a problem and by others it could reduce dynamics

feel free to comment when you have a moment

The D-225 is strictly class A and while it is rated at 225 watts it is closer to 300 watts. The D-225 sucks up about 600 watts for power consumption. I have mine plugged into a Running Springs Audio Haley which handles 1800 watts (15amp). I have other components plugged into it as well. No problems so far.