Top ten tube amps

"spending $120k for a piece of gear is just idiotic -- think of the good that a mere half of that money could be put to use for."

Yes, for less than half, you could get a new Corvette.

"I'm all for very high-end systems and have proven capable of spending a lot to get that last 3%, but spending $120k for a piece of gear is just idiotic -- think of the good that a mere half of that money could be put to use for. Seriously. Vladimir builds great stuff and has integrity, but he is tempting our worst tendencies as Americans toward mindless excess."

It is all about choices and what rocks our boat and to what extent you want to carry the zeal of the hobby. Frankly, I hope Vladimir hits a home run with this one and can retire. He has worked by himself alone in his lab for years to bring the ML 3 to market.

My Viva Aurora 845 is the best sound I have heard in my system with Trios and also Silverline Sinfonia 96db 8 ohm speakers. They are far more expensive than what I compared too, so comparison wasn't really fare. On both speakers they beat a Yamamoto A-08S (45) and a Wavac 300b. Both these amps had a more lush midrange but the Viva was far more clear. The Vivas won in all other areas. This is just in my system though and my opinion. The Vivas retail for $25000 but I purchased for a fraction of that used. I think Viva equipment is expensive ,but at the same time underated. There doesn't seem to be very good marketing for them in North America.
Steve.

I have owned and enjoyed Lamm equipment, and I do wish Vladimir success. But I cannot conceive of any justification in either parts costs, R&D, or sound quality that can justify a $120,000 for an amplifier. That does not mean that some well-healed audiophile won't buy it. It is hard to say it is idiotic, and people are free to spend their money as they wish, but it does at least seem excessive - on the part of both a buyer willing to pay it, and a seller charging for it.

"on the part of both a buyer willing to pay it, and a seller charging for it."

That's what makes this country so great. Basic economics...whatever the market commands.