Audio Horizons TP 2.0 Preamplifier

I would second Bill's request and reasoning. Joseph's genius for "absolute sound" plus ss reliability, ease, and power would be highly desirable.

Joseph might agree with you guys regarding SS amps. I believe he has a pair of Levinson monoblocks( personally tweaked and modded) in his personal system. Victor has a pair of older VTL monoblocks which Joseph also tweaked and modded for him. Right now I have the VAC Musicblocs( tubes) and the sound matches very well with my TP 2.0n. I haven't tried a SS amp yet with Joseph's preamp. I can imagine that it would be difficult for Joseph in deciding which type of amp to come out with. You have the tube amp camp and the SS amp camp, and then there's the Hybrid amp camp, the Class D only camp,etc. The list goes on and on. When it comes to amps, there are too many audiophiles with varied tastes. I don't have a clue of an idea to recommend Joseph when it comes to amps. In the meantime, I'm happy with my current system so I won't be considering any more amps for a while.

I forgot to mention that amps and speakers also have to be matched up properly. Another tough decision for Joseph because of the wide variety of speakers in our systems. Yes, I can understand with Grannyring's recommendation of a 200W amp, but what about the die-hard SET camp using these amps on their ultra hi-efficiency horn systems. I have read a few posts where some audiophiles have gone with the new Zu speakers which are very efficient and are selling their mega-power amps for lower wattage SET, etc. Just another example making it difficult for Joseph to make a decision.

I switched from solid state amplification to SET combo with a 95db efficient speaker and never looked back. Its very revealing especially with Joseph's preamp. It also makes it possible to match inexpensive digital as the source while preserving musicality.

I also made the switch to SET 2 years ago and came back to my current, more conventional, set up with the AH dac, pre and Belles Ref 350 amp. They drive a pair of Dali Grand full range speakers (90db effecient).

I liked my SET system which consisted of George Wright 2a3 amps, Cain & Cain IM Ben speakers, matching subs, George Wright preamp and a Audio Aero tubed CD player. In the end I missed the scale and impact of a "full range" system. Sure, this system could play very loud and had good dynamics, but in the end it was not as flexible it terms of playing all kinds of music well. Loved the intimacy of SET, but found I could have it with my current system and enjoy improved dymanics and scale on other music.

I only say AH should consider an SS amp as I think (?) the SET lover is a far smaller group and potential market. I have also found one can get most of that SET sound with a carefully matched and thought out dynamic system. I know some SET systems can be dynamic and have a good degree of impact and scale, but I think we can agree they are still a step behind the best "conventional" systems in this regard.

Bill