Sean,
"Holds up to the "reference,'" ~might imply a somewhat closed minded approach, or conditioned expectations. Careful on how you approach newness.... What I can tell you is now that my ears have become totally accustomed to well-implemented "digital" amps, virtually ALL sand amps start sounding like pricey angle-grinders. I kid you not, I can almost hear the transistors switching and glare GLARING at me. If ever there was a reason for tube pre amps, it is solid state. Not long ago I listened to the newer MF 302..? and it sounded very flat and uni-dimensional, with that tizzzz that all transistor amps sound like to me. I came home got this stuff going, and Aaaaahhhh!!! Real Music.
Having read anecdotes on audio boards for over four years now, it has become apparent that there are a TON of audio types out there who have no real idea of what they want their music to sound like, what direction even to go in to get there, and little idea of what Real Music and Real Musical Instruments sound like. I see it all the time, especially on Audio Salem, where they burn their witches publicly. For whatever it is worth, the battery way with Tripath chips makes Real Music, and this is what people are talking about. However, NOTHING is for everybody.
I like your comment about this madness being close to an art. A goddam Black Art if such is the case. Too bad we couldnt throw all our stuff into a gym and combine it until people could ~discover the ingredients that made a sonic soup of their liking.
I will say it again: those who are getting the most out of the ClariT are those using higher sensitivity speakers. The whole 6 watts thing is totally meaningless in light of what one is using for speakers, and their SPL/2.83V/1 meter. A 6 watt ClariT can crack the walls of an abandoned warehouse during a sold-out Ecstasy convention, ...done right. --You just need the right speakers: Synergy Synergy Synergy. The question is: for your audition process, do you have speakers that are capable of the "speed" and dynamics the ClariT offers?
