[kmcdonou4eq5]

I've been doing some research and have narrowed my search down to one of these two amps.  Although the RM-200 is about twice as much as the AVA new, used it is fairly close in price.  I am wondering if people had a chance to listen to both of these amps (not necessarily at the same time) and can give their thoughts.  Are they comparable or does one stand out more than the other.  What might the differences be?  I know they are both great amps. 

[Toka]

My "journey" ended when I heard the Van Alstine amps...I have an older one right now, and when I have the cash to get an Ultra, I'll be done. As in, forever (unless Frank cooks up something else).

[martyo]

You can see what I own. Don't be fooled by the price. It is almost an obsession with Frank and cost. His gear is sometimes overlooked because it doesn't cost enough.    He's been doing it for over 35 years. His gear is engineered properly, not over engineered. There's a 30 day money back...........

[BrianM]

Hopefully someone will chime in who's had a chance to compare the 2 amps.  If you were buying new it would be a no-brainer (there is no way the RM-200 is twice as good) unless of course money were no issue.  If you can get a similar price used it comes down to whatever subjective differences there might be, and maybe the fact of no warranty + 30-day.  People who own AVA FetValve amps tend to be pretty happy with them.  They have no obvious tonal faults and are very powerful, linear and transparent.  And apparently durable.  Maybe Mark/carusoracer, if he's following, can add something; if he'll forgive the disclosure, I know he compared at least a dozen amplifiers before settling on an AVA 550EXR (which had been extensively modded, it is true, to whatever effect).  (The EXR was the version before the Ultra.) Peace.

[tonyptony]

What speakers do you plan to drive with this amp?

I have not heard the MR (sorry) but I'm yet another AVA booster. Over the last 20 years I've had only two amps as long-term items in my system, but have tried many others for comparison (Muse, Moscode, Krell, Quicksilver, Adcom, CJ, B&K, White Audio, Plinius, some others I can't recall offhand). I felt the FetValve 550EXR, when I got it, was the new keeper. Musical, transparent, powerful. It really doesn't do anything wrong. The right choice (assuming a good equipment match) for someone who is looking for a great amp without any sort of "additional" character. Not the amp if you need to tune the sound of your system (which is sometimes necessary). The upgrade to the Ultra provided additional improvement in low end articulation and top end extension (without being grainy or harsh).

BTW, it's not to say some of those very expensive amps didn't sound good in my system. In some cases they did, and very nicely. But I didn't find anything that was "X" times better in support of their price being "X" times greater than the AVA.

[kmcdonou4eq5]

What speakers do you plan to drive with this amp?

I am upgrading my speakers from Totem Arros to something from Jim Salk.  Don't know yet as my room dimensions are presenting a challenge.  Jim's thinking about it and is going to get back with me.

That's a lot of praise for the the Fet Valve.  It makes me lean toward the 350, as it is cheaper and compares very well to other high end offerings.

[martyo]

There a quite a few of us that like the AVA/SALK "chemistry". IMO they share like positive traits.

[doak]

If you want clean top notch tube sound go with MR.  If $$ are an issue consider the RM9 - one of the best high(er) powered tube amps ever made IMNSHO.