I now have a 545 Mk II as a loaner while my AudioValve tube monos are being repaired. It's hard for me to come up with words to describe the 545. There are many words in the Eskimo language for snow, and probably as many words in audiophile language for "awful." My description of the 545 II would be in there somewhere.
But, I have a modded 535 and moved it from the theater/TV system to the main system, driving Ascendo System MS Mk II speakers. The 535 sounds fantastic. With the mods, the 535 sounds damn close to my tube monos. The mods were done by John Hillig, musical design.com. Highly recommended! It'll cost at least $400, which may seem absurd considering the cost of the amps, but it is a quantum improvement. At $150 amp + $400 mods, it's he best $550 amp I've ever heard. I'd love to listen to a modded 555.
But, I have a modded 535 and moved it from the theater/TV system to the main system, driving Ascendo System MS Mk II speakers. The 535 sounds fantastic. With the mods, the 535 sounds damn close to my tube monos. The mods were done by John Hillig, musical design.com. Highly recommended! It'll cost at least $400, which may seem absurd considering the cost of the amps, but it is a quantum improvement. At $150 amp + $400 mods, it's he best $550 amp I've ever heard. I'd love to listen to a modded 555.