I got the Charlize amp a few days ago and it's burning in as I type. This little amp, being pre-built and with air core inductors for $90 + shipping, is a great bargain. Be sure to spend the extra $10 for the good inductors. If you have anxiety regarding surface mount soldering and possess the ability to do some minor soldering for the inputs and outputs, this is a wonderful opportunity to play. And the ample board's size is a little friendlier to being fiddled with. Just get some connectors, wire, a box, and a few standoffs...and become an electronics legend in your own mind.
As in the six moons review, the unmodified Charlize takes the cake right out of the box. In my system, it was more relaxed in the highs than other stock products and provided a nice tonal balance. To get into this league, the amp3 and the SI needed a few extra parts such as those nice Italian $30 per set air cores and good input caps. I do think the Charlize's bass may benefit from better input caps, but I'll enjoy it for a while as is.
