I'm a very happy new owner of some custom Super Alnico XRSs (taller, wider and thinner with "R" compound and birch veneers). I'm currently in a rental property, but will post more later about the speakers when they're in their final resting place once I get back into my house.
But...I did a comparison between 3 amps I have on hand and thought I'd detail that here for anyone who might be interested. The three amps are a Peachtree Nova 65SE, Red Wine Audio Signature 16, and Red Wine Audio Signature 57. Source is an AppleTV streaming lossless from Tidal through a Metrum Hex DAC.
With the Peachtree the Omegas sound awesome. It does a great job especially with the bass - no flab, punchy and tight. Everything else sounds great too. Without anything to compare to I would have no complaints at all...but I guess that's how it usually goes! Switching to the RWA Signature 16 is interesting. The Sig 16 has smoother, airier highs with more dimensionality. The Peachtree sounds a bit crisper, but also adds a little bit of grain that's noticeable especially on vocals. Overall the sounds is a bit flatter. The downside of the 16 is the bass is a little flabby...not terrible but noticeably so to an extent where I ultimately find it distracting.
The Signature 57 is a wonderful step up from both, with the same basic character from the mid-range to treble as the 16, but with improved separation and clarity. Instruments are floating in space, perfectly defined and beautifully natural. The bass is also the best of the three...dimensional, tight, tactile and real. Just an incredible presentation where everything has a rightness to it. Fantastically three dimensional and involving.
So to wrap things up, if I had to choose I'd take the Peachtree over the Signature 16 because the overall presentation is excellent. The 16 might better it in some areas, but the looser bass puts it at the bottom of the list for me. The 57 is easily the winner and an incredible match for the Alnicos.
Ryan
BTW, I compared the Metrum Hex to the DAC in the Peachtree. The Hex was a very noticeable upgrade. Much more dimensional, detailed, and organic.