We used a Katlas in my room at the recent Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. Disclosure: I sell Blue Circle gear, Departure Audio. There is a "house sound" with Blue Circle. All their gear sounds coherent, musical, smooth yet highly resolving. As in the post above, "nothing mechanical.....human" is a great description. Katlas is a more powerful version of the entry level GDC integrated, a similar circuit design is used. DAR and FtTh add a tube in the input stage for a little extra warmth and dimensionality. The Katlas is great "do it all" piece. All the Blue Circle sonic virtues are present and it's powerful enough to drive just about any speaker out there. Note: If buying new, most Blue Circle gear can be customized, e.g. cosmetics, inputs, USB, etc.
Blue Circle amplifiers
Who all here have heard Blue Circle amplifiers? I've been searching for the ideal integrated for the past few months, and I like what I'm hearing about the Blue Circle Katlas, but don't have the ability to audition one. I've heard it's lively and natural and neutral in a "live, in the room" sort of way... sort of halfway between the BmPH and FtTH integrateds... also said to share characteristics of the BC 200 series of power amps...
I'd be grateful for any thoughts from folks who have heard any of these BC pieces listed above, and how they stack up versus the other high-end integrateds in the firmament (I'm thinking Karan I-180, LSA Signature, McIntosh 7000 in particular... also Plinius 9200, Jeff Rowland Concentra, Pass INT-150, Luxman 509, Naim Supernait, etc., etc.).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
I'd be grateful for any thoughts from folks who have heard any of these BC pieces listed above, and how they stack up versus the other high-end integrateds in the firmament (I'm thinking Karan I-180, LSA Signature, McIntosh 7000 in particular... also Plinius 9200, Jeff Rowland Concentra, Pass INT-150, Luxman 509, Naim Supernait, etc., etc.).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!