Audiophilepure

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/vac-sigma-170i

This prowess, however, isn’t entirely dependent on the superior pressing at higher speed. With the 2014 reissue of Etta James’ sublime Tell Mama on Bear Family, (not exactly known as a label of the audiophile tendency), the otherwise average recording does nothing to hold back one iota of James’ peerless, powerful vocals on this milestone LP.

You want emotion? Here Etta James rips out your heart, and the Sigma 170i ensures that every dynamic moment is treated with the respect it so thoroughly deserves.

With performers like this, even when recordings are not necessarily of the highest merit, the Sigma 170i does the business beautifully. Damn, this is one fine integrated

In conclusion, the A40 is an excellent anchor for a sub-$20k hifi system without having to go used or DIY. While you can’t bridge them (again, there goes the magic), using a pair of these in a vertical biamp type system could be incredibly good for those craving more dynamic headroom.

The A40 delivers so much performance for the money the only reasonable comparison I could come up with was the PrimaLuna EVO 100. At about $2,600, this 38 wpc tube amp is equally robust but very different. Of course, the tube amp has even more tonal saturation, especially the midrange – but the tubes don’t control the bottom end as succinctly as the A40 does. Highs are different in presentation, with the A40 being more resolving and the EVO 100 being more silky smooth.

These two power amplifiers represent the best values going in a low powered tube or solid-state amplifier period, end of story. Some of you will have to have tubes, while others will insist on solid-state. If you’re on the fence, I suggest the A40 because you’ll never have to replace tubes.