Clari-T looks pretty silly sitting on top of the HCA-2 - visions of David and Goliath. However, with the Clari-T's volume at 12:00, I was worried about my kids' (and my) hearing with the Fostex 206 project speakers. Not a hint of strain either. This is in a 30 x 25 x 15 room, which is essentially the entire house. I don't know how loud it will go and I probably never will.
Out of the box, the Clari-T has less definition, detail, and presence than the HCA-2. Vinnie warns of early sound quality issues, and I expected it. However, even with the 96 db speakers and my ears right at the cones, I couldn't hear one shred of hiss, which is a problem with the HCA-2 and these speakers. Also, the Clari-T already sounds quicker, which I certainly didn't expect, with its "puny" 6-watt rating. Must be something in them batteries.
On the original "flavor-of-the-month" question - technological advances in digital amps are happening at a mind-bending rate. In this tumult, one must either wait for everything to sort itself out, i.e. live with existing equipment, or jump on the carousel knowing that the purchase will be out of date quickly.
Other elements are undergoing rapid changes as well. How long ago was it we couldn't buy a universal player competent with all formats at any price? How many are currently available under $500? Stiff, light speaker materials are changing the price-to-quality equation continuously. Manufacturing and materials technologies and evolution of overseas business models are enabling rapid advancements in all areas of our hobby.
Each participant must decide for themselves how active to be. I'm guessing the population here is much more active than average. Me? I haven't been as excited about anything as I am about the small amp/high efficiency/low cost potential in the 20 years I've been active in audio. I'm already trying to figure out what I should do with my expensive stuff.
Bon apetit!
