I have owned the EAR Acute (chrome front with gold knobs) for 6 months or so. It is very musical and has a great soundstage, standard ergonomics, and a remote-controlled analogue volume control. My only negative comment about the EAR is that the remote is plastic and cheap. I have not tried to roll any tubes. There are 3 for sale on Audiogon. I have not heard the Plinius.
