Price Paid:  $1800.00 from 'gon

Summary:
This is a review of the AX-7e (evolution model)

There is one defining characteristic of this amp that makes it world class in my eyes. I have listened to megadollar stereos of all kinds at various trade shows and stores and I believe that this amp captures a certain sense of palpability and lifelike, 3-d realism that most solid state amps cannot achieve. I have heard this quality in the best tube amps and this product amazingly captures it.

In comparison, poorer quality solid state sounds completely flat and lifeless.

It's difficult to explain, but this amp creates sound that has shape and form -- there's a human quality that's hard to pin down that this amp touches on. Brilliant.

In general terms, the sound of this amp is incredibly full and rich with prodigious bass and articulate treble with that spooky 3-d midband.

I hate to anthropomorphize, but this amp has an emotional quality. It conveys that through it's sense of presence, which, I think, is equal to amps far more expensive than this one. Despite it's relatively low power rating, I'd say this amp is, ironically, an incredible bargain.

Strengths:
see above

Weaknesses:
60 wpc limits speaker choices, although this amp happily drives my Thiel 1.6 - it sounds much more powerful than 60 watts.

Similar Products Used:
Primare a20 mkii