Even though I was already most impressed, these amps managed to further surprise and dazzle on orchestral music, for example Beethoven's Ninth. No matter how far within reason I pushed the volume, the Silver Grand Mono II didn't flinch. Their readings were dense, multi-layered, powerful and at the same time nuanced. They were able to start and stop on a dime, honouring tiny moments of silence between highly dynamic frenetic fragments of a Karajan performance. They blasted with full power during grand tutti and still sounded pure and orderly. Yes, I've heard this with even more powerful momentum a handful of times with huge solid-state amps, much larger speakers and in much larger rooms. At my place meanwhile it was probably the most impressive presentation of the 9th I have ever witnessed. Whilst being surprisingly adept at all genres, this 300B still shines brightest on acoustic and vocal music, even more so where recorded live. What the Silver Grand Mono II adds to all the aforementioned qualities is the ability to convey and differentiate from album to album the atmosphere, ambiance and acoustics. It is the proverbial cherry on top.
Importantly, unlike some 300B circuits, this one did not create the impression of shortened distance between performers and listener by pushing the stage forward but rather delivered so much information—musical and atmospheric alike—that it all combined into a feeling of being there. As a diehard fan of live performances, I loved this presentation. It wasn't thrown in my face but shown from proper distance yet so present and lively that it triggered a physical response like tapping feet and bopping head. That's what replay at home is all about for me. Beyond it there is not much to add. The Ancient Audio Silver Grand Mono II was one of the four or five best amplifiers of any persuasion to ever visit my listening room. In many respects it did not sound like a typical tube device especially on music that requires a grand display of power and momentum. But when appropriate, it still presented the best qualities attributed to premium SETs so a touch of sweetness in an incredibly pure treble; a smooth, rich and incredibly resolving midrange; and a convincing render of a recording's spatial and emotional aspects. Overall it delivered a well-balanced, amazingly resolving, dynamic and absolutely immersive performance that turned my listening to music into a nearly spiritual experience.
Technical specifications as published:
