Since this has turned into, almost, a Threshold vs Forte thread I'll offer my 2 cents. I owned an Threshold S200 that I bought based on my listening impressions of its big brother the mono SA-1's. Well, I must say that the S200 was no SA-1. To this day I consider that amp the best ss amp I have ever heard. I have not heard the SA4E.
Now to get back to the subject, some of the best amplifiers. Well, who am I to say what is best? I sure haven't heard them all and there is that little issue called symetry or compatability that comes into play when trying to make a determination. I happen to like tube amplifiers overall and OTL amplifiers specifically, when they can be used, but they are limited in their applications with many speakers.
So the answer to your question as to the best amplifier is back to the compatability of the speaker it will be used with. Some will say SET's, some OTL's, some will say Krell, some will say some of the famous makes from Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, Manley, etc., etc. etc. There is no right answer there is only taste and compatibility in a given set-up. Happy listening!
Now to get back to the subject, some of the best amplifiers. Well, who am I to say what is best? I sure haven't heard them all and there is that little issue called symetry or compatability that comes into play when trying to make a determination. I happen to like tube amplifiers overall and OTL amplifiers specifically, when they can be used, but they are limited in their applications with many speakers.
So the answer to your question as to the best amplifier is back to the compatability of the speaker it will be used with. Some will say SET's, some OTL's, some will say Krell, some will say some of the famous makes from Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, Manley, etc., etc. etc. There is no right answer there is only taste and compatibility in a given set-up. Happy listening!