If we start at the beginning I had a Pioneer SX-450 receiver (1977) which continued to be in use until a few years ago when a relative I gave it to put it out for collection. It still worked.
In 1985 I bought an Akai 45 wpc receiver. No recall of the model number- it was a forgettable amp was bought solely on specs vs cost. The Pioneer sounded better.
Around 1989 I bought an Adom GFA 545, 100 wpc. It was solid but a bit cold/hard. Their smaller power amp sounded better.
In 1990 I bought a pair of Magnepan MG2.6R speakers. The dealer urged me to sell the Adcom and get a more powerful amp. I traded the Adcom for a Bryston 4B.
I had the Bryston 10-11 years (during that time I bought a used AR solid state amp- might have been 75wpc? Didnt keep it long)
Sold the Bryton and bought a Proceed HPA-2. I also had an Ayre on loan for a bit but liked the Proceed better.
Kept the Proceed until 2003 or so and bought a CJ MV60SE
Kept the CJ until 2009, sold it and bought a Rogue Temest II Magnum. I thought it was better than the CJ (I was using a CJ LS172 preamp, which to this day remains the finest Pre I ever owned).
By summer of 2013 I decided my 10 year run of tubes was over. Sold the Rogue and am happily now with a Pass INT-150
In 1985 I bought an Akai 45 wpc receiver. No recall of the model number- it was a forgettable amp was bought solely on specs vs cost. The Pioneer sounded better.
Around 1989 I bought an Adom GFA 545, 100 wpc. It was solid but a bit cold/hard. Their smaller power amp sounded better.
In 1990 I bought a pair of Magnepan MG2.6R speakers. The dealer urged me to sell the Adcom and get a more powerful amp. I traded the Adcom for a Bryston 4B.
I had the Bryston 10-11 years (during that time I bought a used AR solid state amp- might have been 75wpc? Didnt keep it long)
Sold the Bryton and bought a Proceed HPA-2. I also had an Ayre on loan for a bit but liked the Proceed better.
Kept the Proceed until 2003 or so and bought a CJ MV60SE
Kept the CJ until 2009, sold it and bought a Rogue Temest II Magnum. I thought it was better than the CJ (I was using a CJ LS172 preamp, which to this day remains the finest Pre I ever owned).
By summer of 2013 I decided my 10 year run of tubes was over. Sold the Rogue and am happily now with a Pass INT-150