The SL-010 preamp and SM-010 mono amps may be “more affordable” compared to their legendary siblings, the SL-101 Linestage and SM-101 mono amps, but at $25K and $50K respectively, they are still very much in the high-rent district. Thankfully, these components also deliver the sonic goods: musicality, detail, realistic presence, and imaging.

 

The SL-010 renders music on a wonderfully defined stage while in “Class A” mode, the SM-010 not only gets room-heatingly warm but it sounds better than many of the best tube amps I’ve heard. Think CJ-MV50 warmth coupled with Krell KSA-50 power and control. This is an amazing-though-pricey combination. [Dave Thomas]