I rote dat reeview on da 70.2 uppdate.
They're awesome amplifiers, still my references. They toe the line between resolution and tone exceedingly well. They allow clear examination of what's going on around them, easily revealing differences while avoiding the microscopic pixellation that can also achieve this, at the price of long-term enjoyment.
They're destination pieces for sure. I have a hankering for another SET amp but even if it's the best on the planet I won't sell the 70.2s.
Disclaimer - my speakers are 101 db efficient and the main amps aren't responsible for deep bass. So, I can't comment on "drive". But on the difficult balance between tuneful and resolving they're a home run.
My personal opinion is they benefit greatly from a tubed preamplifier. I've been saying that since the Clari-Ts were running wild and it's still true. I had a couple of those, the 70s and now the 70.2s. Each generation has made tubes less necessary upstream but as good as they've gotten I still like some triode space and tone. With the advent of the Isabella (it's killer too) it seems the maestro agrees with me.
