Price Paid:  $800.00 from ME Sound P/L

Summary:
The ME25 is possibly the best high end bargain, on the planet. It's sound quality resembles that of the power amplifiers: Superb conrtol, very extended response, great detailing and transparency, holographic imaging and an almost 'tube-like' presentation.

The ME25 is utilitarian, in styling. Purposeful, but very well built, using the highest quality materials and components. Remote control functions are minimal, but useful: Volume, Power and Muting.

The ME25 possesses an output impedance of 2 Ohms, thus any conceivable load impedance can be used with this product.

Unusual, in the High End world, the ME25 can be upgraded to the latetest specification, for relatively modest amounts, thus preserving the longevity of this extraordinary product.

I love my ME25. It is 20 years old, this year.

Strengths:
Unbeleivable value for money.

Weaknesses:
Styling is a love it, or leave it kind of thing.

Similar Products Used:
Audio Research SP11-II, Mark Levinson 380S, Dynaco tube.

Price Paid:  $2500.00 from ME Sound P/L

Summary:
The ME850 was the first solid state amp to prise me away from tube amps. It demonstrates all the classic advantages of SS amps, with the advantages previously believed to be the province only of tube amps. At 40 kilos, it weighs in at a similar amount too.

Not only does the ME850 demonstrate awsome grip and control over bass, clean, extended highs, but it also lends a 'sweetness' and ambience, not normally associated with SS amps. It's huge power supply and almost unlimited current ability, ensures that it never clips unpleasantly. It's abscence of Global Negative Feedback, coupled with intelligent current limiting circuitry endows the ME850 with much more apparent power, than it's specifications suggest.

As a bonus, the ME850 may be bridged into any load impedance greater than 1 Ohm. At this level the ME850 can supply a staggering 2,000 Watts. Even at 8 Ohms, the ME850 when bridged can deliver an amazing 420 Watts.

As they say: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." That could easily be the catch cry for the ME850. The tougher the load, the better the ME850 sounds, relative to it's competition. Couple all this with a 15 year model life and the ME850 is a stunning achievement.

Strengths:
Ability to drive any loudspeaker, including electrostatics.

Weaknesses:
None!

Similar Products Used:
Audio Research D125, Krell KSA150, Mark Levinson 332, Aragon 8008.