teo audio---thanks for taking the time to respond. I wouldn't be at all surprised if you're assertion isn't correct. It sounds reasonable and you obviously more to draw upon than I do in experience and knowledge but I'd be content with an excellent gainclone/chipamp or two. The JAS Array with premium tubes was the best sound I've had but I don't want the hassle/heat/expense and find that the gainclones I've tried weren't too far off the mark. Yes, it would be settling, a compromise, but one that wouldn't burden me too much and an easy one to live with. Thanks though for the info. One can never be too well informed.
Looking for professional made gainclones or chip amps recommendations
I just sold my single-ended triode amp and am looking for a (near) sonic equivalent in the 50w + range. I had the Audiosector integrated and a DIY gainclone and both had the qualities I am looking for (detail & transparency) though both fell a little short. I'm looking for pro made amps in this vein. The Audiozone amps look interesting from a few yrs back as well as the Clones Audio. Any others I should look for? And I'm sure Class D has made leaps and bounds since my last experience with the PS Audio HCA 2 and Wyred4Sound ST 500 but I'm probably not looking for Class D recommendations. Thanks in advance!