I use Mod-86 now, but I also have Sympatico. I have Par-86 but not built it yet.
The Mod-86 family are well engineered amps. They all sound the same because they all use the same design and parts except for the output stage which has minor influence on the overall sound. Mod86 is very detailed, communicative, tone monster, great damping. The first time you hear it you will say "wow!" By itself it sounds dry and precise. Not "etched" like with excess treble, or sizzling treble from distortion, but just perfectly clear, transparent, wire with gain. Not many amps at any price are as detailed. Some people prefer to sweeten it a little with magnetics or tubes upstream. I like the sweetnin too, but I still prefer naked Mod86 on acoustic music so I can hear the extreme inner tonal detail. There's nothing like it. I've never heard any amp that digs so deep on tone as Mod86.
Sympatico has a fuller, warmer sound, less detailed, bigger bottom. Sounds "big." Sounds like normal good quality mid-fi amp, with big warm happy personality. It has built-in power supply. LM4870 chip is discontinued, so make sure you can get those before you buy the kit. My Sympaticos are for sale. PM.
I've not heard the other amp you mentioned.
Good luck with your decision, and welcome to AudioCircle!!
Rich
