Music Reference RM200 or David Berning ZH270?

As an owner of the Berning ZH270, I would second all the above positive comments on this amp. While I haven't heard the MR amps, I have compared the Berning to several other tube amps including VAC, VTL, vintage Marantz, ARC and Quicksilver -- none of these come close to the combined strength of the Bernings -- incredible bass and fabulous midrange and highs! IMO, the only way you could better the Bernings would be to purchase the Joule Electra OTL's. You might be able to "equal" the Berning by bi-amping your speakers with Krell on the bass and a vintage EL-34 tube amp on the midrange/tweeter (to capture the complete magic of the Bernings). Like Tubegroover said, the Berning should be a "must" audition for your system.

I haven't heard the Berning.But own the Music Reference RM9 MK2 and simply put it does one thing Amplify the signal.If you don't like the sound than it's upstream.This amp seems to have no signature at all.I talked to Mr.Modjeski about it and the only reason this amp isn't made anymore is because of cost.If made today this amp would retail some where around $5000.00(more expansive to build than the RM 200).It has three settings for feedback adjustments.And has the bass that will rival ss amps without question.I guess both amps are great.Hard choice I wouldn't want to be in your shoes!Good luck

There is an intresting thread of the nOrh LE2 amp that will be coming to market at AC.The page below references a Berning amp and if the new amp is anywhere close in performance to a Berning it is a steal.

Read the bottom article for the amp reference.

http://www.norh.com/news.html

Thanks for all of your responses and input. I am in the process of buying a Berning ZH270. I know from my research on these 2 amps that they are both excellent choices, but I have grown to value and respect the opinions of the great people on Audiogon. I will let you know how the amp sounds in a week or so. Thanks to everyone.

Please do let us know Slowhand. In addition to the stock amp there are other improvements that will greatly enhance its performance including upgrading the tubes among other things. Allan Bghan can help you with the "other things" and I would strongly recommend him as he is not only a dealer but a true believer in this great product.