As for the amps... in a word, bright. I started out with them, and deeply regret the years I spent with them. Tons of power and very well constructed, but unrefined. Very forward, narrow and congested soundstage. CJ Sonographe, early B&K, Aragon, and countless others will beat these in the same approximate pricerange. I understand the attraction, but I would not recommend them.
I'm sure other members have more recommendations in the Acurus price range, as there are several nice options available cheaply these days - many more than a few years ago when I had my A250 and A100x3.
That said, I am happy with their preamps / processors. I have an RL11 preamp, and an ACT3 processor, and both are very nice for the money. I would recommend both, though sonically the RL11 is easily beatable, I love its simplicity and ease of use, and it does sound good. The ACT3 is so good for the money, I just bought a 2nd one for my brother. I found the Act3 better sonically than the far more expensive B&K Ref. 30 (though the B&K wins hands down for features.) The ACT1 is a much earlier and less capable (prologic) processor that's generally considered a thing of the past now.
I'm sure other members have more recommendations in the Acurus price range, as there are several nice options available cheaply these days - many more than a few years ago when I had my A250 and A100x3.
That said, I am happy with their preamps / processors. I have an RL11 preamp, and an ACT3 processor, and both are very nice for the money. I would recommend both, though sonically the RL11 is easily beatable, I love its simplicity and ease of use, and it does sound good. The ACT3 is so good for the money, I just bought a 2nd one for my brother. I found the Act3 better sonically than the far more expensive B&K Ref. 30 (though the B&K wins hands down for features.) The ACT1 is a much earlier and less capable (prologic) processor that's generally considered a thing of the past now.