Without wanting to get into the vagaries of NOS esoterica, I installed first Yugoslovian 12AX7 inputs, then Tesla E元4 powers, and finally American 6SN7 drivers, with consistent improvements realized at each step. Then I decided to replace the stock Sovtek tube set, based on my tube guitar amp experiences. While still wondering about the MV-55's suitability for my 4 Ohm, moderate efficiency speakers in the areas of control and airiness, I consoled myself with the utterly natural rendering of the harmonic structure of female voice or piano, for instance, and the consistent, corporeal imaging quality and lack of electronic artifacts. I went ahead and got it, though, when I couldn't stomach returning to the more cold, hard, mechanical, "reproduced" SS sound, with its zingy imaging and exagerated "detail" on transients. When I first took it home to audition against the Classe through my Thiel 2.2's, I hesitated to buy, because although it was clearly the better amp in most areas for realistic portrayal, I didn't know if I could live with the softer bass and lack of treble extension I heard. In my range of affordability, I haven't heard a more natural sounding amp, and several more expensive solid state amps I've heard may be more impressive, but not necessarily as enjoyable as this small gem. I found this piece after hearing the earlier MV-50 and being blown away, and I haven't looked back since.
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