In Pursuit of the very best amplifier (to my ears!) money can buy...

[pk_LA]

Pat,
Lots of really nice choices, did you listen to the Nagra Reference pre when you visited FL? I really like the Nagra Pre, its very musical with a natural sound to my ears. I'm building a new home with a dedicated room and am currently using the Nagra Ref amps and pre and also have a Boulder 3060 and 3010. Did you use the Boulder gear with the Lyras? If so, how was the sound and why did you move on from the Boulder amps and pre? I don't plan on keeping all of the gear but am waiting to get into the room to make a decision, interested to hear your thoughts.

Dave

Somewhat curously I also found the d'Ag to be a tick sweeter than the Nagra. For some stuff that was preferred but for other material it wasn't so much. Truth be told I had my girlfriend with me and she very much preferred the d'Ag. I realize this probably disqualifies my findings! For me, the VAC Statement, the Nagra Ref and the d'Ag were all perfectly great options.

 

[SuperDave]

Interesting, I've only heard D'ag Relentless with Wilson, sound was visceral but hard to judge being in a highrise with marble floors, I assumed tubes would make the Nagra a bit sweeter sounding than the SS D'ag pre. IME, tubes make a big difference with the Nagra, new Russian tubes sounded lifeless compared to NOS Amperex or Siemens from the late 50's. Good luck in your quest, hope we all find the sound we're looking for!

Dave