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Review 3 of 3
Price Paid:
$500.00 Summary:
When the opportunity came along to purchase a pair of these mono-blocks, at a good price, I decide to take the gamble. It was a good gamble, especially after a simple tweak and some tube substitutions. But, the first thing that impresses about these amps is their weight. These babies are heavy! The very large (read: overkill) transformer tells you that these amps are not going to skimp on their promised 25 watts. After removal from the cartons, a quick eyeballing gave a distinct impression of quality beyond the meager dollars spent. For example, the RCA jacks are heavy duty goldplated, and the three binding posts (two red, for 8 or 4 ohm connection, one black for ground) are also of very good quality. I especially like the option for 8 or 4 ohm hookup. Even the 1/2" anodized black faceplate (yes, 1/2"!) is beautifully done: four gold set screws, gold lettering and logo. On looks alone, they promised great listening to come. Did they fulfill their promise? Well, no... not at first... but then... Using the stock tubes - KT 88''s of Chinese origin and JJ 12AX7''s, the amp sounded hard, etched, and "glassy" with a soundstage that was fairly wide but lacking in depth. This was true regardless of the preamp I used with them; the hardness was an easily discenible constant. I knew they could sound better than this after breaking in, and after a few easy "adjustments". The first tweak was simple: get rid of the stock power cords. My versions have the detachable IEC power cords (highly recommended). I replaced the stock cords with LAT 10 guage power cords that I had on hand and could not believe how much wider and deeper the soundstage got. Nice... very nice... but the glassiness and hardness were still there. Next up: tube tinkering time! I suspected the stock Chinese KT-88''s had something to do with that steely hardness. So I replaced them with mtached pairs of Sovtek "platinum" KT-88''s. The very first listening session with the new tubes told me I was on to something. The etched, hard glassy edge was diminished greatly and the top end began to "shimmer". Weeks later, the hardness completely disappeared, the soundstage got deeper and more layered while still maintaining width. Additionally, image sizes became larger. Concluding, I won''t say they are as good as my VTL-Tiny Tot''s... but their ease in presenting the music from the midrange up is close... very clo Strengths:
With substitutions noted: expansive soundstage, excellent detail, delicate non-tizzy top end reproduction, quality of parts & construction unexpected at this price point. P.S., replacing the stock JJ 12AX7''s with Golden Dragon 12AX7A''s improved inner detail without a return of the hardness. Weaknesses:
Mostly in the bass response. If the 3dB downpoint of your speakers is around 40 hz, no big deal. But below that, this amp doesn''t have the muscle or impact. Similar Products Used:
Associated components: Preamp(s)- McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe & Audible Illusions L-1. CD player: Marantz CD67SE. Tuner: Sansui TU-9900. Speakers: Merlin VSM Gen III''s. Speaker cables: DH labs T-14 bi-wir
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