Audiophilepure

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1319-spec-rsa-ex1000-integrated-amplifier

These are three wildly different amplifiers, so they are obviously aimed at different prospective audiophiles. The most alike—or least different—are the Brama and the RSA‑EX1000. Both feature solid-state output stages, but that’s where the similarities end. The Brama is fronted by two 300B tubes in the input stage, whereas the Spec is solid-state throughout. Their amplifier topologies are mirror images of each other. The Spec has a class‑D output stage and a linear power supply, whereas the Brama sports a switch-mode power supply and a class‑AB output stage. The Brama is an exceptionally neutral-sounding amplifier, more so than the Spec, which is surprising given the presence of two plump, juicy triodes in the Brama’s low-profile chassis. But the RSA-EX1000 sounds more forward, engaging, and, well, exciting. The Spec is not shy. If I had to personally choose which flavor I’d prefer to live with, I think I’d end up with the VinnieRossi, if only because its neutrality would serve me better as a reviewing tool.

If I were freed from my reviewing chores, it’d be a much closer race. The Spec is a thrill to listen to. From the moment when it loosened up and settled in, it grabbed me by the hair and thrust the music at me. I could easily live with this amp.

And then there’s the Arne, which in the context of this review is the anti-Spec. They’re not even the same type of component—even just calling them both integrated amplifiers is a stretch. The Arne’s rated output of 30Wpc (downhill, with a tailwind) and the RSA‑EX1000’s solid-state armored fist work and sound wildly different. They look wildly different also, but you can see that for yourself.