You need to listen with your own ears and mind. I've owned entry to mid level Audio Research gear and was never satisfied with the sound. It's smooth and gentle on the ears but I never found the golden tones that I value. More silvery and a little sterile to me.
I paired the gear with Vandersteen 5's and the vsi 55 with I believe Devore Super 8's and Nines. I really did enjoy the Ref amps with Verity Parsifals at a shop in Boston. Still though, they didn't have the warmth I've come to enjoy.
Admirable company, great products, not for me. I should add that I've enjoyed VAC, Luxman, Mastersound amps more. Nver heard of Line Magnetic.
I paired the gear with Vandersteen 5's and the vsi 55 with I believe Devore Super 8's and Nines. I really did enjoy the Ref amps with Verity Parsifals at a shop in Boston. Still though, they didn't have the warmth I've come to enjoy.
Admirable company, great products, not for me. I should add that I've enjoyed VAC, Luxman, Mastersound amps more. Nver heard of Line Magnetic.