I was recently in Quebec, just outside of Montreal where we, (myself and 6 local audiophiles) listened to the Westminster Monoblocks and Preamp. We listened a bit to the existing gear (Pathos' best monos and preamp-the inpol circuit) before switching things out. The speakers were Avalons, the wood bodied, Accuton driver generation. The host was a well practiced audiophile and had added a super tweeter of Japanese derivation, that really did smooth out the Accuton array.
Even without warm up it was apparent that more information was on hand with the Westminster gear. It wasn't
like being hit in the head with a banner of information, it was just there. I keep returning to the gestalt of a single stage amplifier, but with much more power than one typically finds in those designs. Intimacy was present in both designs and was emphasized by the choices in music...much of which were closely mic'd vocals. Actually I came away with a deeper appreciation of Emmylou Harris than I had thought was possible.
The host expressed interest in buying them if he could trade in his Pathos gear...which is between he and the importer. Still and all, a great listen.
Even without warm up it was apparent that more information was on hand with the Westminster gear. It wasn't
like being hit in the head with a banner of information, it was just there. I keep returning to the gestalt of a single stage amplifier, but with much more power than one typically finds in those designs. Intimacy was present in both designs and was emphasized by the choices in music...much of which were closely mic'd vocals. Actually I came away with a deeper appreciation of Emmylou Harris than I had thought was possible.
The host expressed interest in buying them if he could trade in his Pathos gear...which is between he and the importer. Still and all, a great listen.
