Quantam IA100
Cyrus 2 with PSX
Nait 5
82/200/hicap
Bel Canto Evo2i
Canary CA608
Meridian 568.2 (pre and dac), Bel Canto Evo2 (power)
Some intersting lists here. Probably my worst amp was the Cyrus. Massively overhyped, and frankly completely outclassed by say a Nait, which was similar money. Have to say that I wished I'd listened to both side by side, instead of buying based upon a review. Never again.
Going tripath was a serious change from the Naim gear. IMO Naim gear works best at the Nait 5 level, where it's fun factor really make it stand out. Going upmarket does make it better, but puts it into competition with some genuinely serious kit. My Evo was miles better than the Naim combo, despite costing less. It also suited my system better than the Canary I tried.
Finally got to the Meridian/Evo2 combo. Simply awesome. The Meridian may be a processor, but does a stunning job as a stereo dac and pre-amp and integrates well via balanced to the Evo, which has wonderful control and a huge soundstage.
I really would put my home system up against anything I've heard in anyone else's home, ever.
Cyrus 2 with PSX
Nait 5
82/200/hicap
Bel Canto Evo2i
Canary CA608
Meridian 568.2 (pre and dac), Bel Canto Evo2 (power)
Some intersting lists here. Probably my worst amp was the Cyrus. Massively overhyped, and frankly completely outclassed by say a Nait, which was similar money. Have to say that I wished I'd listened to both side by side, instead of buying based upon a review. Never again.
Going tripath was a serious change from the Naim gear. IMO Naim gear works best at the Nait 5 level, where it's fun factor really make it stand out. Going upmarket does make it better, but puts it into competition with some genuinely serious kit. My Evo was miles better than the Naim combo, despite costing less. It also suited my system better than the Canary I tried.
Finally got to the Meridian/Evo2 combo. Simply awesome. The Meridian may be a processor, but does a stunning job as a stereo dac and pre-amp and integrates well via balanced to the Evo, which has wonderful control and a huge soundstage.
I really would put my home system up against anything I've heard in anyone else's home, ever.