Hi - I've used the FET Valve Audio Van Alstine amps for quite a while. Excellent amps, great detail & dynamics. Built like a tank - no problems whatsoever. I won't get into excessive platitudes, since without hearing one you can't imagine what it's like. My advice would be to try one out. I really think you'll like it. Frank is an honourable guy, and has been making reputable products for years. His equipment just makes music, not headlines. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any specific questions about the AVA line. Good luck in your search, Ed
Ever used hybrid power amps?
I've just discovered the joys of passive preamps and wow! My sorta laid-back Meadowlark Kestrels love the detail and immediacy, but running a pure solid state amp (of the type that I can afford) this way can be a little intense. So, I'm considering hybrid tube/ss power amp designs like Counterpoint, Van Alstine and NYAL/Moscode. Anybody have any thoughts to offer? My local audio guru/tech guy favors the NYAL stuff--it would be great to hear from anybody who's used the 300, which is a 150 watt/ch design available for quite reasonable prices on the used market. Comments?