I use a Cary CD player, CD 308 to be exact, two Jas Audio ORSA speakers with ribbon tweeters and an SVS subwoofer (SB 12 Plus). My integrated amplifer is an NAD C370. While I believe my system sounds great, I often think of that little extra 'edge' we classical music lovers like. We tend to want 'musicality' or 'sweetness' and in large orchestra presentations, we like separation of instruments - a large sound stage both wide and deep etc. I come close to these things, but realize that perhaps there are systems that can give the extra special sounds we all seek. I have heard that tubes can give the kinds of sounds I strive for...but I have some strong reasons that makes me want to stick with a solid state amplifier. I did audition a Bryston integrated amp - and even though that amp did offer 'some' improvement in my sound, it was not enough of a difference to jusitfy the difference in cost, in my estimation. So this 'thread' a bait to try and catch someone who has discovered a solid state integrated amplifier that does a better job than my NAD C370....so that they might tell me about it. We all know that there are so many variables in good stereo that this will be difficult....but perhaps not impossilbe. Even after all of the individual parts from the recording through the components in any system are taken into account, we still have the 'subjective' part where an individual passes judgement...and that judgement might be as different as day and night. Oh well..I just talked myself into and out of a pure dilemma. But have a go, if you are brave!

Bingo