Most transparent amp you've heard?

Tvad, I would still say Atma-sphere with the audiophile dictionary" definition. I can also see how in a sense Joule can be considered transparent, yet I would not say it is uncolored. I would also agree that the Pass XA.5 gear is very transparent in terms of being balanced across the spectrum and having a neutral timbre.

I agree with Tvad, Pass Labs XA100.5. I've had five Pass amps over the years starting with the Aleph 3. The new XA.5s are the most neutral and seem to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the rest of the system more than the earlier designs.

ive gotta know. How could u tell if a amp changed the sound if you cant do a a/b test with the live music or unless you have heard it uncoloured before. im learning so be easy on me. kevin

Hi Sean, I do have a preferred amp. . . problem is that I am not terribly familiar with Halcro amps in general. My fav is the Rowland 312. Like the Spectron, it is a switching class D amp that runs very cool to the touch. Like the Spectron it is very efficient and can drive difficult speakers. . . and like the Spectron it has loads of authority, has a greatly texture midrange and a sweet treble .; and like the Spectron it is very nuanced and 'transparent'. . . . they are both worth listening to. . . you may like them both equally, or you may prefer one to the other, or you may be indifferent to both. . . this last hypothesis not terribly likely [chuckles!]
Thinking about it, one of the most transparent amps I have ever heard and enjoyed are the Theta Citadel monoblocks. . . if your speakers are sensitive like Vandersteen 5As, they also could be absolutely marvellous! Guido