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Review 2 of 3
Price Paid:
$1000.00
from Audio Concept Luxemb Summary:
The model I bought is a class A edition of the Aria HE. It was build by Cairn upon request of their distributor for Belgium/Luxemburg .
When I decided to change my old amp, I decided to try Arcam, Rotel and Nad products thinking they were the most cost effective deals in my price range: lot of power, soft prices and good results in reviews.
Then I had the opportunity to compare these with Cairn amps. I first tried a Nanda preamp with two Mea mono power units(Cairn Fog Easy CD and PE-Leon Classic speakers). The sound was very detailed, really tight bass but could become too analytical after some time(?). Then we connected this little Aria and ... I began listening to the music instead of the amp. Something happened to the dynamics in the mediums and highs that made me forget about the recording. The "reality" of the voice(s) was amazing.
We reconnected the *** and by comparing I understood that things disappeared:
- The stability of the instruments and voices in the musical landscape whatever the volume level,
- The ability do deliver (all) the power fast enough.
The Aria has only 2*12W class A but can drive mids and highs like few in its price range. Bass is more rounded and will not feed large speakers like the Mea power amps could but Cairn provided a preamp out...
Based upon this success, Cairn propose a new 4808 class A (2*30W). Strengths:
- Musicality and punch,
- Look,
- Excellent manufacturing,
- Price. Weaknesses:
- Lack of power. Bi-amping with two Mea/Loco power amps is a solution.
- Heats more than a toaster and needs some clearance,
- The class A version has a special main power switch at the rear...
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