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Review 2 of 2
Price Paid:
$800.00
from Audiogon.com Summary:
This is only the second time I have been sufficiently moved that I felt I should write a review. The first time I wrote a short review on JBL's LX series speakers, it was very positive. This review is for the Sunfire 2x 300w Load Invariant Amplifier.
I've been working my way up the Hi-Fi ladder for a couple of years now, I'm on a tight budget so its a slow process but its fun too. I have to sell my exsisting equipment to finance my next system so there are gaps in between setups, and a head to head comparison is not possible. I sold my Rotel Setup to buy a Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube Pre-Amp and a Sunfire 2x300watt Power Amp. First thing I noticed when I unpacked the Amp was "There's No Power Switch".... Hmmm thats strange, I've never seen that before, not even on lowly Main St store gear. There was no 12v Trigger input or output and the power cord, while decent, was fixed and not detachable. I noticed some "stuff" in the joint between the case and the front faceplate so I decided to open it up and see whats going on. When I opened it I found that the "stuff" was actually Silicone ooze used to attach a bracket to the inside of the case to facilitate securing it to the faceplate. Nice!!!
At this point I'm already really disappointed with my choice/purchase but I figured I may as well hook it all up and listen, I mean thats what its really all about anyway, right??
I have to be fair and say that this is quite a detailed and musical amplifier, especially teamed up with the Classic Preamp. I played it through my M&K S-100B's with an M&K MX-70B Subwoofer. Cables are all Monster. It sounded good, but IF it was any better than my old Rotel RB-1080 it was very very subtle... What I did notice, and it wasn't subtle at all, is that this amp had nowhere near the output of the Rotel, not even close. This amp is rated at 300wpc into 8ohms (600wpc into 4ohms)by Sunfire, the Rotel was rated 200wpc into 8ohms (330wpc into 4ohms)and the Rotel absolutely left it in the dust (in my humble opinion).
I got caught up in the hype...I used to have a good opinion of Sunfire after owning a True Sub MKII, and then later, a True Sub Signature. I loved the subs, but this amp (and also the tube preamp) have left me wondering how they can possibly be sold at the prices they retail at. Maybe I'm missing something here, but if you're seriously considering purchasing one of these, check it out first.... go listen to it at a Sunfire dealer and compare it with other brands around the same price or less. And make sure you check for sticky gum in the cracks. If you somehow are able to take a peek inside I'd bet you don't buy it.
It has all gone back on ebay and this was my most disappointing purchase to date. Sorry Sunfire lovers, but I had a 60wpc Adcom Amplifier that could give this amp a run for its money in every respect.. and beat it hands down on build quality. Strengths:
Musical, good detail. Nice faceplate milled from a solid peice of aluminum. Not enough power to annoy the neighbors... could be considered a strength I suppose :-) Weaknesses:
Everything from the faceplate back....Extremely poor build quality, some parts held in place with glue. Non detachable power cord, no power (on-off) switch, no 12v triggers, seems MUCH less than advertised power rating. Cheesy Stick-on rubber feet. Similar Products Used:
NAD 3225PE, B&K Reference 3220, B&K ST-3140, Rotel RB-970 RB-995 RB-991 RB-993 RB-1080, Adcom GFP-535.
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