And for just a bit over $3K you can get a pair of DV 225 monoblocks. I had the SET 120 first. Very nice. Spatiality was it's Forte. I was just driving the neo-panels and tweeter of my VMPS RM-2s so power was not a concern. My DV 225 are everything the SET 120 was but more. Definitely value in the upgrade. Sometimes I sit back and think it's crazy music can sound so good.
I've been needing a new pre-amp for a long time, and have been looking at a lot, but didn't think of AVA... until my addled brain remembered the Dynaco PAT-5 I owned in the 80's - modified by Van Alstine. Once I saw AVA is still in the game and figuring their mad skills could have only progressed, I decided on one of their preamps w/ phono built in. I called Frank to say thanks and pick his brain on the SET120 and convinced me that if I could afford two DV225's, that was the way to go. I placed the order, they shipped a couple of days later, and today is the second day with everything. I do believe that not only will I be spared the thought that I settled for second best (I'm sure the SET120 would've satisfied immensely, but you know that creeping feeling in the back of your mind), but I am already certain that this system will be filling my ears/room with delightful sound for a long, long time.
