Beyond Ayre Pass and Rowland

Absolare! A couple of days ago I listened to my friend's system with an Absolare amp and preamp. Previously he had the Jeff Rowland 725 mono-amps. Wow, not even close and I own a Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp. Of course the Absolare is about 90K more, but WOW!

Absolare, just Google...relatively popular in Ultra high-end 

I do have firsthand experience...I listen to my friend’s system often. I’ve heard his system with Rowland, Macintosh, MBL, Bricasti M28 amps, and the Absolare. I’m as familiar with his system, as my own. To my ears nothing has come close to the Absolare amp/preamp combination. The Rowland was better than everything, except the Absolare.

Absolare integrated is a little under 25K, without phono. 

Charles,
In addition, I  really respect the way you respond to threads. I always say, no absolutes with audio, only preferences!

Charles,
We must have similar taste. I don’t own Absolare, I have all Jeff Rowland components. I have no problem saying, the Absolare is head and shoulders above anything I’ve ever heard. Two days ago I listened at my friends house for 2 1/2 hours and didn’t want to leave. Voices, symbols to die for. Bass didn’t have the power, but I still submit it’s articulate and has incredible tone. If I had the money I would buy them today.
As a matter of fact I told my friend I wanted to sell my Jeff Rowland Corus preamp to get a tube preamp. Any suggestions below 20K?

My friend has convinced me to try the Aavik U300 integrated amp in lieu of changing preamps. He said it’s very close to Absolare. Has anyone ever heard the Aavik?

Thanks. I'm not going to purchase, just trying to find out if it's worth listening to. Charles you and Al bring up very good points. 
Yes, I'm using all balanced cables. 

Charles, 
If presented the opportunity,  without the need to purchase I will. I listen to my system yesterday for several hours and still really love it. No, it's not at the same level as the Absolare, but close enough considering the cost difference. I'm still going to try a tube preamp. I'm curious to hear if adding a tube preamp will provide a little sliver of the Absolare magic  

Charles,
It's just a matter of what works best in my system, based on my priorities. I plan on listening to an Audio Research Ref 6 within the next few weeks. Another guy suggested that I listen to a Dartzeel preamp.

larryi,
I guess there are some people that think like me.