Blue Circle amplifiers

I have no experience with BC integrated amps so I'm not sure that this will be any use to you. I own the BC206 and just recently the BC208 and they are special amps indeed. The 200 series has an effortless quality about them that never make you think that the music is being forced at you. To my ears, these amps strike a wonderful balance between speed, transparency, detail, and dynamics without over emphasizing these qualities so that it becomes too hi-fi. There is absolutely nothing mechanical about their sound and it is this effortless finesse that makes the BC gear sound so human. If the Katlas gets you closer to the 200 series, I would definitely try to seek it out.

You should check out the Blue Circle forum if you have not already done so. There is usually someone there who will be able to offer their experience. Gilbert is also very accommodating whether you are buying new or used - he's very passionate about what he builds.

We used a Katlas in my room at the recent Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. Disclosure: I sell Blue Circle gear, Departure Audio. There is a "house sound" with Blue Circle. All their gear sounds coherent, musical, smooth yet highly resolving. As in the post above, "nothing mechanical.....human" is a great description. Katlas is a more powerful version of the entry level GDC integrated, a similar circuit design is used. DAR and FtTh add a tube in the input stage for a little extra warmth and dimensionality. The Katlas is great "do it all" piece. All the Blue Circle sonic virtues are present and it's powerful enough to drive just about any speaker out there. Note: If buying new, most Blue Circle gear can be customized, e.g. cosmetics, inputs, USB, etc.

I can certainly attest to how accommodating Gilbert will be if you want to tailor your equipment to make it more special. My recent purchases were a dramatic change from stock.

I've owned a CS and an NSCS. It's nice, but nothing remarkable. You want a remarkable integrated get a new Musical Fidelity A1. Aside from sounding a LOT better, it's half to one third the price.

The Roksan Kandy is also a nice amp, comparable to the Blue Circle, less money, a lot less hassle.