Well well well. What can I say...
The goddess of audio has gifted me with an extra bit of cash this month, and what I expected to be getting in a couple months, and so, keep investigating on what my next amp would be, it turns out be a matter of days...
As I wouldn't like to look like a monkey with an ak-47, and start pulling the trigger, I kindly ask you guys to help me with this.
I started eyeing the v550 long ago, and passively started reading the thread. A few weeks ago I started asking a some questions and providing some info of my actual chain.
The time has come, and I don't think I can hold myself too much.
My chain: laptop running on battery only > Foobar > audioquest coffee USB > Denafrips IRIS I2S > Viablue S 920 > Denafrips Pontus II > Viablue NF-S6 AIR > FluxLab Fa-12 > ZMF Grand Silver Palladium > ZMF Caldera / Audeze LCD-X 2019.
All power cables are custom made with top end cable+plugs into an emi reduction for digital sources and direct to power amps.
After this wall of text, I ask you with one hand in my heart and the other in the pocket. v550 or not v550...
Main options I've considered: oor+hypsos, bliss, gs-x mk2 along other options I didn't like that much: Cen-Grand 9i-906, Wells Millo and Bryston BHA-1.
However as I mentioned in previous posts I live in the eu, and I don't really feel like gifting another grand (in €) to Spanish customs.
So in short, v550 or ferrum oor+hypsos (although the v550 it's more to my liking).
And I would even go for the v550pro or even the nimbus us5 pro if it wasn't for the infamous "issue" that clips, pops and bangs like a car. Although for the latter I would have to wait for a couple months more.
It's a bit selfish and I know it's on me to research and take a decision. But after so much reading posts, reviews and watching even more youtube reviews. I can't think of only one review it's not biased nor money supported.
Your opinion matters. Help a monkey with a gun.
Thanks in advance.