Tube Monoblocks in the 5-7K Range

" I read the stereophile review of the Rogues and the only thing that gave me pause was the fact that the reviewer says he could have sworn it was a ss amp. That's also my concern with the Carver."

I've heard the Rogue's and there is no mistaking their sound as SS. Warm, lush, 3D imaging; listen for yourself. Tube rolling plays a major roll in the Rogue sound. As for the Carvers, I have not heard them, but the user reviews are all outstanding.

I have my eye on the Carver's, too. Never heard (or the Rogue) 'em but I'm tempted nonetheless. The smaller, stereo amp--Black Beauty 20, I think--is supposed to be astonishing at its price and remarkably powerful for its rating. The Cherry 180s should be that much better. I hear the price is jumping $600 on Jan 1, to $7,990, FWIW.

Quicksilver silver 88. The V4 were too warm for my taste, but matching is the key. Jallen

Rogue also has the triode/ultralinear switching on the fly.

And if you look closely at the Stereophile review, it is suggesting that the Rogue has "the control" of a SS amp. Better control than a Pass amp? High praise in my book:

"The biggest difference was in the amps' control of the low bass, especially in rock and pop. The Rogue M-180's control of low-bass notes was exemplary, with great speed and heft, and the Pass XA30.5 simply could not complete in this regard. Through the Pass, the leading edges of bass notes were rounded, each note hanging over a bit too long."

Between triode mode and the ability to roll tubes you have some flexibility with the Rogue. And you don't have to give up some of the characteristics that are considered tubes' weak points.

But as alwasys auditioning in your system is far preferable. All about synergy with your speakers and your tastes.

I guess I'll need to find some place to hear the Rogues. I take any professional reviewer's review with a giant grain (more like a chunk) of salt - put more trust in the ears of end users like you guys, so if you're all saying the Rogues have tube warmth, I'll need to consider them.

I guess all these amps take a variety of output tubes that will have a big impact on sound in virtually every one of them.