Top Tier Amps

Based strictly upon my audition of seven of the amp brands you have listed I would move those into the first tier. I'm speaking of Luxman, VAC, Pass, Hegel, Gryphon, SimAudio and Naim. IMHO, these are exemplary brands with exemplary sound quality worthy of a top tier ranking. As I've said many times, it's mostly about preference. My personal preference is predictably for Pass Labs as I purchased a Pass INT 250 which I love. I did so after auditioning amps from the seven brands listed above. Not that the others listed in the top tier are not deserving. Purchasing any of them would be a wise move. But I would add the brands I've already mentioned. Part of my problem is my limited exposure to both amps and speakers. There are so many amps and speakers that I've never heard. And I don't live near any high end audio shops. The closest high end audio shop to me is a 4 hour drive. I'm just grateful that Mike opened his store for me so I could check out some of the best of the best. It did make my decision at least a little easier. It also made my weekend trip to Sarasota well worth the time and expense.
 
Randy Myers said:
I am not a huge fan of splitting various models within a brand to different tiers. It is almost like you are saying that Brand X makes this one amazing model that they use for brand reputation but then sell these other off shoots off the big boy's reputation.

I personally believe a brand is only as good as its lowest offerings; otherwise I feel that they are being deceiving with their lower models, since the obvious outcome is that they may sell a few of the high models and a ton of the low lines off the big model. I know there are some out there who have really top notch gear but also sell cheap knock offs which is not the same gear. A brand's reputation should be by its lowest models not its highest. The other method does eventual gain the company a bad reputation.

Lets use T+A as an example. Their HV series is absolutely amazing and deserves the praise it gets but the Series 8 is quite outstanding on its own and deserves the praise it gets. The DAC 8 DSD once again gained an A+ rating in the latest Stereophile magazine even though it is their "low" model. To me that is a stellar manufacture. You may give up some features or absolute highest level and power, but you get the same quality of construction, same house sound; you are indeed buying the same reputation and quality. This can not be said for many manufactures out there.
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This post made me think about the components in my system. My Ayon CD player, my Ayon preamp, my Pass amp and my Volti speakers are the "entry level" models by these 3 manufacturers. The sound and build quality is most excellent, there is no buyers remorse here. Also, I feel pretty comfortable putting the entry level models by Fyne in this group also.
 
I have not heard all the above amps but I have heard many of them and I would not trade any of them for my Chalice Audio 'Grail' SET monoblocks...The other owner of these amps would also not trade his either.He thinks they are not only the best tube amps but the 'best amps'..
 
I think for an amplifier to be rated as "top tier", the company that makes them also has to be top tier. i.e. still in business and providing excellent customer service.
 
If you're talking about Chalice Audio and their 'Grail' monoblocks, they are still in business and will gladly make anyone a pair of their Grail amps or a pair of their soon to be finished 'Talisman' SET monoblocks.And by the way..the company's customer service is superb..By the way..how do you post a picture..?
 
calloway said:
If you're talking about Chalice Audio and their 'Grail' monoblocks, they are still in business and will gladly make anyone a pair of their Grail amps or a pair of their soon to be finished 'Talisman' SET monoblocks.And by the way..the company's customer service is superb..By the way..how do you post a picture..?
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Please post a link to the Chalice Audio website. Google can't find them.

$80,000/pair (in 2008 dollars).
 
calloway said:
If you're talking about Chalice Audio and their 'Grail' monoblocks, they are still in business and will gladly make anyone a pair of their Grail amps or a pair of their soon to be finished 'Talisman' SET monoblocks.And by the way..the company's customer service is superb..By the way..how do you post a picture..?
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In the mail with a stamp ....!



Regards
 
First of all..I didn't think you had to have a 'website' to be in business.If you do want to know more about the amps read Alan Goldfine's review of them in PFM.....Keep in mind, the amps he reviewed were the prototypes..The final product was significantly improved .
 
Rob181 said:
Please - how many successful business's do you know who don't have a web site - or a technological exposure through a hosting website - eg a sole trader who is a plumber for example.
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What are these plumber amps you talk of Robert???
 
bzr said:
What are these plumber amps you talk of Robert???
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They plumb to 20 hz - they reproduce music as clear as crystal water - the tempo has a rhythmic flow - they tap into my sub conscious - I'm flushed with excitement from what I hear - they render (bag) pipes beautifully : - )
 
nc42acc said:
I don’t think this “tier” system has anything to do with sound quality. I am happy with my bargain basement tier amp.
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My entire system will be Tier 3, so there you go. No, it’s not about sound, it’s about perception of the brand in the marketplace. Porsche or Ferrari is more highly regarded in the automotive world as top tier brands than Kia or Hyundai.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
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