WOOLCOT AMPS - Anybody heard these?

I heard an earlier version of the Wolcott at a dealer in southern Cailfornia who was auditioning them as a possible addition to his line. Though quite good, the "breakthrough" Wolcotts were no match for 3 top tier "conventional" tube amps, one close in price. I understand that the amp has been, and in fact, is still, being revised. The dealer chose not to take the work-in-progress on. They are certainly promising. Time will tell.

With all due respect they are: WOLCOTT AUDIO PRESENCE mono block tube amplifiers, manufactured by Wolcott Audio Inc., 2250 N. Bigelow Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065.

Albert, how could I know that a new rear-mounted speaker-variety selector switch and new wide-band transformer would be considered "options" and not evolutions? My apologies. I did not listen to the Wolcotts for 250 hours as you suggest and that could explain everything. It often does. Nevertheless, I found the Jadis JA200, JA100(especially), JA80 and Audio Valve Baldur mono blocs to sound significantly better than the Wolcotts on Wilson Watt/Puppy 6s or Vandersteen 5s. Their superior sound was completely comensurate with their superior cost. I found that the ARC VT200(used)and the Audio Valve Challenger 140 equaled the Wolcott in sound and cost. I can easily understand how you would prefer the Wolcott to the Atmasphere, VTL or Viva amps. I haven't heard the GT400 but I trust your judgement here implicitly. Please don't misunderstand - I LIKE the Wolcotts. However, I am wary of any product that bills itself as "breakthrough". And, I feel there are several "conventional" amps similarly priced that just might sound better even without any options, revisions, design changes or evolution.

Albert, thanks for your post. I've been preoccupied with non audio elements lately. I would be very interested in your appraisal of the Wolcotts with the Vandersteen 5s. Despite what you might think I am seriously interested in these amps. Truth be told, the Wolcotts I heard had NEW tubes in them, not even burned in. Indeed that is not a fair comparison with well burned-in and seasoned gear. Your point is well taken. Nonetheless, my experience with the Wolcotts and point source speakers was not transcendent. I am told that they are indeed magic with the Soundlabs, which are probably my favorite speaker of all time(if only they would work in my room!). Which EL34 tubes are you using in the amps? Can you use other octal-based tubes since the amp auto biases?