"Neutral/Clear Amp vs. Dark Amp"

I currently use DH Labs Revelation interconnects and Clear Day Cables Shotgun double runs (4 sets bi-wired) for speaker cables. Both these cables made a huge difference. I'm also considering a Parasound A21, Mark Levinson (No. 27, ML-3 or ML-9), or Edge. Tough to say without being able to demo any of these amps in my house. I'd say I'm leaning towards a used Classe (CA-200 or 201) or Pass (X-150 or X-3) or new Odyssey Stratos Stereo Extreme. Yes, I'm always looking for that 'live' sound. I currently get that in my system, just looking for an upgrade to better sound in the amplifier stage. I have found that the VR 4.5's need some serious current/power to make them come alive. I used to use a VTL-ST85 but it literally ran out of gas, even though the 4.5's are spec'd at 90dB efficient. The DNA-1 I have puts out 185 watts per channel and that seems about right. I am going to find out more about getting it upgraded as well. Don't think I am ready for clsss D amps. I'm not knocking their sound, just that I want a more classic system. I don't know the H20 or Sugden amps but I want a one-box amp and the Sugden SPA-4 is only 50 watts (yes, I read all class A, but still only 50 clean watts). I could bi-amp with SS on the bottom and tubes on the top -- I've had that before. Just don't want the complexity of that right now.

Very nice Pubul57, I'm in Howard Co. Go Ravens!

I have heard Ayre in multiple systems. Most of them sounded veiled or dark. Not that they are bad amps but they are certainly not the most neutral.

I think you would be happy with a Musical Design 100 amp. Musical Design/Musical Concepts builds amps with several levels of upgradablity. All of the resources they put into their products goes into electrical components that actually create the sound. The 'box' is just a rectangular, basic black box.

I have the highest iteration, the MD hybrid Elite, which has a tubed output. The sound is a wonderfully smooth, musical and neutral to my ears. I find that all of your requirements could be met by this amp. The solid state version is 'only' $2000 new.

Also consider the parasound JC 1 if you can deal with te size and heat. They were very good sounding with my Von schweikert vr 4 sr speakers.