A update from Steven:-
https://hifihaven.org/index.php?thr...-audio-claymore-retro-review.4546/#post-89667
Well, I think break in is now complete on the amp, the new volume pot and the new opamp. Everything is jiving VERY well and I am just still so damn happy with this amp. It sounds great with everything I throw at it. I'm excited to get the new caps when Colin gets them in stock and I've been thinking about rolling in another opamp to play with. This time going with Sonic Imagery (
Model 994Enh Discrete OpAmp ) I'm not expecting big improvements, or any really. But possibly just another flavor I get to roll in. Who knows, it MAY be better, but we'll see when I order it in a few weeks.
As for the review above, I feel I must correct something that's been bothering me, and that's the line where I say that I'm not even sure if this amp is reference level. That's because the entire time I've had this amp I've been trying to understand what I'm hearing, where my priorities lay, and really, what "reference" is. To be frank I believe now that "reference level/grade" is a fluid term. One that doesn't fit within any set boundaries that are common to multiple people. Instead, I think each individual has their own "reference" of how things SHOULD sound and within their expectations that's what they seek out in this hobby. The Claymore has fully redefined what I've come to expect from sound reproduction and has shown me that it isn't down to just gut-wrenching clarity and frequency extremes. MY reference is a focus on how the associated gear connects me to music, how it evokes emotion and I can say without hesitation that the Claymore is my new reference. It does everything right for me and I honestly couldn't ask for more.
@ColinWonforI'm massively impressed every single time I listen to this amplifier and I'm thanking God I took the chance to buy one from you. If in the future I can afford to buy your cables (I need a 1m pair of your LS-25 speaker cables) and maybe even some of your top of the line gear I'm absolutely going to go for it. You've earned yourself a fan for life and that's the highest endorsement I can give you.
Cheers,
Steven
P.S. - I just saw on the EWA site that pricing has been reduced for the Claymore. Even at it's original retail I consider it a bargain, now with the reduced pricing I consider it a steal.
