I've got a Levinson 331 driving a pair of Aerial 10Ts. These speakers love power so I've been trying some other amps with a bit more muscle than the Levinson's 100 amps. While the McCormack DNA 500 is something I'd love to hear in my system, there is no nearby dealer and new, it's out of my price range.
So, I have been listening to both the Nuforce 9s (latest) and the Butler 2250. I'd have to say that most of what I've read or heard about the Nuforce 9s seems true and definitely worth a listen. Articulate, dynamic, extended, detailed soundstage -- they really play to the audiophile in me. Definitely a lot of bang for the buck. But (IMHO after just a few days of listening)... they may be a bit of a left-brained/yang kinda amp. For me, the verdict is still out on how musical they are after extended listening. (not sure if I'll still love them in the morning ;-)
The Butler 2250 seems much more a right brain/yin amp. VERY musical! Plenty of power, very dynamic and extended, and has a mid-band to die for. What this adds up to for me is that it is highly engaging musically. Maybe a PRAT thing. One late night with the lights down low and you just might change your mind about how you listen to your system. Strangely, this amp doesn't get much press but check out the review on 6Moons...
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/butler/2250.html
Truthfully, I haven't decided what I'll replace the Levinson with (or even if I will). I'd still love to hear the DNA 500, but the Butler is definitely an unsung hero worthy of a listen.
So, I have been listening to both the Nuforce 9s (latest) and the Butler 2250. I'd have to say that most of what I've read or heard about the Nuforce 9s seems true and definitely worth a listen. Articulate, dynamic, extended, detailed soundstage -- they really play to the audiophile in me. Definitely a lot of bang for the buck. But (IMHO after just a few days of listening)... they may be a bit of a left-brained/yang kinda amp. For me, the verdict is still out on how musical they are after extended listening. (not sure if I'll still love them in the morning ;-)
The Butler 2250 seems much more a right brain/yin amp. VERY musical! Plenty of power, very dynamic and extended, and has a mid-band to die for. What this adds up to for me is that it is highly engaging musically. Maybe a PRAT thing. One late night with the lights down low and you just might change your mind about how you listen to your system. Strangely, this amp doesn't get much press but check out the review on 6Moons...
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/butler/2250.html
Truthfully, I haven't decided what I'll replace the Levinson with (or even if I will). I'd still love to hear the DNA 500, but the Butler is definitely an unsung hero worthy of a listen.