Not only was the 550hc better in all other aspects, but it creamed the Bedini in the bass. The Bedini lasted about 30 minutes in my system. After 2 more months, I must admit the bass isn't the most authoritative I have heard, but it does contain extension, beauty and air beyond compare. The bass goes so low it adds interest and enjoyment to the music. If your love of audio centers around bass slam and taughtness, this may not be the amp for you.
Compression is so obvious, it is intolerable.
Those heavily studio-ized recordings really strut their compression with this amplifier. I can only summize that this bears to the level of detail obtained with the fet valve 500hc. It hints at the warmth of tubes, but maintains the detail of solid state. Take this as a negative or a positive, but this is simply the way it is. One last point.