Previous reviews have discussed the Copland CSA 14 hybrid integrated amp, which has recently been upgraded to the new CSA 28, which among other things includes a (dead silent) remote control capability. After much hunting, I found this product, which apparently has a strong presence in Europe, but is not widely distributed in the US. This is unfortunate, because it is a great amp! First, my "prejudices," if you will. I am not a big watt amp afficionado, I prefer the lower wattage-sensitive speaker combination. My musical loves include vocals of all types, orchestral music, chamber music, some new age-- as well as the ocassional swing band-- Squirel Nut Zippers, etc. This amp feeding the Meadowlark Shearwaters that I reviewed recently creates a wonderful real-life feeling. The sound is not colored in any way. The presentation is spot-on accurate, and alive. If the performance is sweet, the sound is sweet, if the music is intentionally harder, the sound reflects that intention perfectly and directly. The dynamics are not pumped up, just the immediate true dynamics of the musical presentation. If you live for overwheling BOOM!! This is not the amp for you. But if you understand the incredible excitement of the tension, and dynamics of music, and you deeply listen to the composer and the performer, then you will truly love this amp. The subtle bittersweet of a ballad becomes immdiate and very moving; the crescendo of a Bruckner Symphony can be almost overwhelming; the sheer joy that a singer is trying to communicate, etc.these are the Copland CSA 28's forte. Yes the amp can rock, but it can sing and move you as well. But in a sense, the amp doesn't move you, its the artist that come through loud and clear...I find myself spending a lot of time just loving the musical experiences. One reviewer said the CSA 14 was ultimately "flat" in its presentation. This is not the case, I think, because of the amp. The issue is the quality of the recordings. Older recordings that I have loved can sound flat because of the technology used in making the recording. For those CDs that have been made more recently, the soundstage and three dimentionality are incredible. Yes, of course, there are other amps that are very good. I also liked the YBA amp, and the new Audio Refinement equipment from YBA may be a great bargain. But I have tried the Copland, and I know it is wonderful. My wife and I spend a lot less time with TV, and have no need of surround sound, thank you. We love the Copland CSA 28, and the Copland 266 CD player, along with the Meadowlarks, and if you are adventuresome, you will seek out these gems.

I agree with Ian below, and I should know, it was my amp he was listening to.
In addition, I was very surprised to find in A-B comparison with naim amplification that the Copland lacked nothing in the departments normally considered to be Naim's forte. Imagine discovering all the timing, dynamics and drive could be yours without any harsh traditionally so-called "transistor edge". This amplifier positively purrrrs, it's fantastic. It ought to get 6 stars. If you don't have one, get one as soon as possible - you won't find a better amp at the price.

The hype is right, this amp really does embody the best of valves and transistors. The end result sounds tonally natural, rhythmically spot on, with plenty of slam and punch while all getting a good deal closer to 'real' than any amp below 2 grand has the right to.
Imagine an amp that combines the speed, pace, grip and musicality of a Naim (with added bass weight and extension) with breathtaking "window on the performers" natural sound of tubes. The negative aspects of each don't get a look in however, this amp inspires complete confidence, seduces your ears with gorgeous textures while it delivers the music as well as the best of them.

What a fantastic amp! I've got to get one :)