Why no threads on OTL amps?

Srouse, I haven't heard the Exemplar amp. Did you hear a 2A3 or a 300B? Checked into it at the Bottlehead site. It seems that he(John) has gotten some input from the Bottlehead people on his amps. Bet they sound great.90kHz bandwidth, must be a helluva output transformer!

Jtinn, BTW, Kris is entitled to his opinion, just as you are. Just as I am. Please do not feel threatened if another amp line surpasses your favorite. It happens to your customers all the time, when you have something new and great to sell them. Probably doesn't bother you a bit that they are going to take a bath on the money they lose selling their old gear and paying you profit on the flavor of the month. After all, how else would audio businesses continue to make money. I've worked in several audio emporiums and know people that worked in others, been to CES, and other shows and rubbed elbows. I know the comments that are made between dealers and mfrs. It's all about churning. Just like the stock brokers: buy, sell, buy, sell. How many "turns" will you get on a particular product in a year, is the major concern. And how much margin. Hype the latest hot item, and next month hype the next. If a customer's system gets superceded by a better(newer) product, well "that's just the electronics biz." But if you've got $350k tied up in the minimum stocking order to retain a dealership, then you better believe that amp is going to be the "best you ever heard".I hate to be this hard on you, but you threw down the gauntlet and now I'm telling you that your opinion cannot be considered objective because you have financial interest in certain products selling well. Conflict of interest, I believe, is the term. You should recuse yourself from this discussion due to conflict of interest.

Twl In defense of Jtinn I would like to say this, he has always let it be know he is a dealer in each thread he is involved in where he offers an opinion or rave. I certainly sense his enthusiasm for the Tenor and have come to highly respect his input. The Tenor has really gotten high praise from every corner. Then again I would expect nothing less based on its price. If it turns out to be a mirage, the company won't last. I would love to hear it in my system but I could never justify to myself (or wife) spending that much money on an amplifier.

I am probably not as critical of this as you might be since you are an insider and better know than I how it works. You make some interesting points. I on the other hand have never been involved in the audio industry. There is not one individual that could ever pursuade me that one thing is better than another. Only my ears will do that. One of the most important things I always try to convey to anyone seeking my opinion is that yes, you may respect it but to ALWAYS trust your own ears first. Opinions from trusted peers just help narrow down the choices.

I also feel it is useless to compare two completely different and unfamiliar systems and try to attribute the sound of one over the other to a particular component, there are too many variables. The big plus for the Berning amp over the others is not whether it is the absolute "best" but all the pluses it offers over other OTL's including cost. My assessment using that criteria is, nothing I'm aware of comes close. Others may look at that comment as a compromise when to them only the "best" counts regardless of anything else. Unfortunately best often times is associated to price and it is not always true.

And thanks Twl for starting the thread. I hope it has the benefit of opening the eyes and ears of those that are looking for something they haven't yet heard that resides only in OTL designs.

Just for the record Tubegroover, I haven't worked in audio for almost 10 years now. I feel bad about hammering Jtinn like I did, but when you are an audiophile and you hear stuff like I heard at trade shows, it really scorches your hide. They want to herd us around like livestock to the slaughter with their hype and magazine reviews. Now, I know there are alot of great products out there and I am not going to say that 1 product is best for everyone, and am sure that you or Jtinn would feel similarly. I am just very sensitive about the revolving door of product hype based on the need to sell. Sorry If I offended anyone(Jtinn). I have no knowledge of him personally doing any of the negative things I mentioned above.

Twl: The comment you made has no foundation on fact. You heard two totally different systems with all different components and made a statement about the amplifiers. It is improper and highly incorrect (maybe subjective). I do not need to recuse myself because I do not feel I am improperly participating.

I agree with your concerns about the audio industry and feel as do you. I do not need to sell anything or hype anything just for the sake of making a buck. I like music and what gets me closer to the live experience. I enjoy helping others in that search as well. If it is profitable, at times, great, if not, great too. I think most people I deal with respect the fact that I have a decent ear and speak of what I know and have experienced, not what makes me money.

You seem to be a straight shooter and talk passionately. I respect that and look forward to your future posts.

Best Regards,

Jonathan