T+A's new R 2500 R integrated amp

@doyle3433 Being both a T+A and Aurender dealer, I would love to hear your early thoughts on the differences in the sonics of these two rooms. I was the first dealer to purchase the AP20 in the USA and recently wrote a really lengthy evaluation of it in another thread on this forum given my enthusiasm for its performance. I did hear the AP20 last year at AXPONA when it was revealed, also with the Sabrinas. I also own a plethora of T+A electronics (sadly not the R 2500 R) and the Solitaire S 530 speakers.

My assumptions with the AP20/Wilson sound compared to the T+A amp/Solitaire speaker sound is that the AP20/Wilson would come off as more punchy and articulate, and the T+A stack to be more graceful and refined. Would that mirror your findings? If it were up to me, I would choose a different speaker than the Sabrinas to show off the AP20, perhaps Joseph Audio or Vivid. Having also owned Wilsons in the past, I felt the AP20/Wilson combo was a bit tippy when I heard it at AXPONA last year. I mean, really great sound for the total price, but Wilson plus Shunyata plus AP20 got just a bit more analytical than I prefer.

This is why shows are so tough for evaluation for one component, as it all becomes part of an overall system where one never knows what is contributing to what.

I apologize if this is hijacking the topic of this thread, but I would value from your insight!

@cundare2 Having personal experience with both brands, as well as having the AP20 on the floor, all I can say is that T+A will have slightly better harmonics and soul. The AP20 is an exceptional unit nonetheless and satisfies those looking for a purely linear sound. I’m curious as to what doyle3433 has to say not because of comparing one amp to another, but due to the synergies of the equipment they are paired with.

With the AP20 being as linear as it is, with Shunyata cabling that I find to be a bit forward in presentation, with the SabrinaX which is very punchy in the lows and highs, the combination I heard last year could have used a little more grace and soul in the mix. Just a little bit. But I know that pairing the AP20 with speakers like the T+A Solitaire S 530 or the Vivid G3S2 and using more refined cables, I could be happy with the AP20 if I somehow had to consolidate my reference system. 

The R 2500 R on the other hand, if following the characteristics of the R series, will be a bit more refined in presentation. I could see that being paired with neutral speakers like your Harbeth or my Vivids or even more treble happy speakers like the SabrinaX or Perlisten speakers and have great synergy. The Solitaire S 420 or 430 they are pairing it with has a bit more meat on the bones in terms of presentation, which together may give it an ultra refined sound in the room.

The AP20 is nearly 60lbs as well, and I’m aware you’re limiting yourself to 35-40lbs.

In short, both exceptional pieces, and synergy with speakers, power line, and cabling are key. 

@mgrif104 @cundare2 Thank you both for your kind comments and advocacy. It’s greatly appreciated. :)

@doyle3433 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the two rooms. I’m glad your findings matched my experiences and assumptions. With the Aurender room, I would have definitely picked a different cable loom and speakers to make the end result more soulful. I’ve not had an issue accomplishing that with the AP20. I would love to hear that unit with something like a Joseph Audio Pearl 2 Graphene. I’m sure that would be an incredible match.