Ok a first recap on where I am standing now concerning my amp decision...
Still have the tube amp Jadis 50RC Signature and the MF AMS35i on top of the list. For now I am strongly divided on this...as my heart says Jadis but my brain says AMS35i. Hopefully the next visit to the shop would make things more clear. My thoughts
- Jadis is more emotional sounding BUT not so much more as I thought compared to the AMS. Still needs to be assessed with different speakers and TT as a source. This might be the key.
- Jadis works best on the type of music I like (acoustic, voice and one/two instruments, jazz) BUT AMS is definitely not far from that. I was very surprised as this is where a top valve amp should shine and take distance from a SS one
- Jadis has a great bass for being a valve amp BUT of course the AMS35 is deeper and has a bit more control. AMS is a clear winner on this
- AMS35 is for sure a more flexible amp in terms of music, but has the disadvantage of needing warming up for at least 1h (best 1,5h) before you can really appreciate fully its musicality. Jadis is ready in 15/30 min.
- AMS35i will drive properly different speakers whilst the Jadis needs to be more carefully matched. Again this is not a huge problem as I am hoping to buy speakers for a life-time :read:
- AMS35i does not require any change of tubes and it is less delicate at this regard. Anyway I won't change any tube before at least 3/4 years anyway. So it's not an every year thing (this would have been very annoying).
- Jadis has a more appealing and sexy look (or at least my gf thinks so :doh: )...which is something I need to take into account also (she is allowing to have all the stuff I want, I owe her this at least) :silenced: . I personally like the look of the AMS
As you can see I am struggling with this, hope to find answers and take the plunge in March! :cheers: