Anyone hear the Van Alstine CA1 Control Amplifier or NP1 amp demoed?

@AGWCA, I had the Hegel H590 powering Vandersteen 2CEs for about a year. Unless you require the H590 power, I prefer all Van Alstine amplification. The CA-1 has superior natural tonality to Hegels I've heard... that's its most notable advantage.

Hi @devilboy

Did you get your CA-1 yet?

Yes, It's a great amplifier but I had to go down a different route.

Can you explain why you went down a different route, in a comparative sense what the CA-1 did or didn't do for you?

to newtozu:

In case my message failed, and re: the Musical Fidelity A1...

I can appreciate preferences.  Looked at that one too and may revisit someday. I had a M2si which I tried and couldn't stand. Loose bass, grainy upper mids, not smooth at all and lacked depth.  Probably OK for some Rock but not for alot of what I listened to.  Prefer smooth, musical but still transparent. Will try the CA-1.  For the prices, not expecting a $10K+ experience but don't need to at my listening levels.  Also looked at similarly priced tube gear, the new Galion amp but then I'd need a suitable pre, pehaps a couple of others such as the Iota VX40.  The CA-1 seemed to stand out and I picked up at a used price I couldn't say no too.  See what happens.