I like and have kept both. I’ve got a vintage Class A Pass Aleph3 (driven direct from a Wyred DAC2DSD) and ICE-based Wyred SX500 mono’s paired with a highly modified Rogue Metis (running Tung Sol VT99’s via adapters). The Aleph3 has an intimate continuity in image depth.. magical midrange while the Wyred’s (paired w my specific pre) have finesse and LF control while painting a detailed but natural cinematic stereo image. One is great for colder months and the other for summer and fall. I have tried the SX500’s driven direct from the DAC2DSD and thought it was nearly unlistenable, however. The right tube pre can have a way of ’sorting out’ older (but w well implemented output stage) class D topology into something that can still work now. The Rogue Metis Magnum is fairly dynamic (and a tube-roller’s dream/nightmare as an unbuffered tube design), but definitely a bit rough in stock form with stock tubes. I’ve got a good dozen other boxes in another room of other good-value separates; tube, Class D, and Class A, Class A/B, but these are the two setups I still use.. and I still go to shows. If I had money burning a hole in my pocket I’d like to try a Riviera Levante, Linnenberg or Kinki Mono’s.. a Nagra Classic amp.. perhaps some AGD Duets. I’d also like to try a Perla S50 integrated some day.. which I’ve heard with two way monitors before.
it’s more system synergy and implementation of the topology than topology, imho.