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Submitted by
Gabe C.
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: March 14, 2011
Bottom Line: I actually own the amp that received poor reviews from "Gab" on here. We happen to have the same first name. I purchased it on Ebay directly from him for a whopping $470.00 + $200 shipping from Montreal to Phoenix. I don't think I'll ever sell it, since it's the BEST deal in audio I've ever scored. He expressed the same issues regarding power/bass to me. But I already knew I wanted one of these after auditioning some back-loaded horn (Fostex/Audax drivers) on the first version of the VP-845 (only 22 watts), which I purchased. So, I lied in wait and for once, was patient...for 2 years. I love the combination of a SET amplifier with highly efficient speakers. No disrespect to the other Gabe, but if you are a potential buyer, I think you must discount his opinion because I think he was mating the wrong speakers to this amplifier. My system achieves bass frequencies down into the 30s. With any lower-power SET amplifier, I think you will find that you'll get the best results with efficient speakers, such as full-range single driver configurations, or even speakers like those in the Klipsch Heritage line. I've tried a pair of Klipsch and achieved amazing results, but I reverted back to my back-loaded horns. The VP-845 typically sells at a used price of $1200 - $1500, and at a price in that range, I'd go for it. Mine is the centerpiece of my system... all other pieces revolve around it.
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Submitted by
audiogonnut
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: December 27, 2008
Strengths: Superb sound, extremely quiet, very reliable, price is low (when I bought it), beautiful to look at (the 2 845 tubes look like lanterns), Class A amplifer, can drive any speakers to reasonable level.Weaknesses: Heavy, the knobs can be better looking.Bottom Line: It has a sound very similiar to a top notch tube preamp/solid state amp combo. The bass is surprisingly taught not boomy. The mid bass is full and satisfying. The midrange is lush and clear. Treble is sweet. Sound staging is wide and deep.
Very quiet from the speakers. There is no hum from the big transformers. It is very reliable. There is no issue whatsoever. Make sure you hook up to the best sounding output tab for your speaker. I had a Jolida integrated amp and there is no comparison. This one is sound much more warmer and clearer.
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At: Audiogon
Similar Products Used: Jolida integrated amp
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Submitted by
Gab
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Strengths: - sound stage is uncompromised with the 845 tube, many other modification to the amp are possible,
- Bass is well defined - midrange easy to listen , highs too are pleasent
Weaknesses: Dared could refine a lot their product, also putting 4 845 tubes would bring this amp to top levels...
Tough its a SET , the bass start to become incredible, i like the 845 tubes !!!Bottom Line: This is my second review, after midifying the circuit...
Sound is no longer cardboard sounding
Sound is no longer pipe sounding
Details of the music are more present, but not the micro.
Bass is good down to 100 hertz compaired to 200 hertz before...
Speaker control is 'soft', this amp is very easy on drivers, they are very controled , they never boom but at the same time its very punchy sounding, no problem for techno / electronic music :)
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At: ebay
Similar Products Used: jolida, audio research
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Submitted by
Gab
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: March 8, 2008
Strengths: The amp is good in 3d sound, and very detailed,
Less sound distortion than most transistor amps.
Vocals are nearly perfect.Weaknesses: No bass.. That kills the amp. All my other hifi amps have killing bass. An organ sounds like an organ, DRUMS realy kick ass in my solid state.
-Bottom Line: First, this is a brief review, and my first. I tested on these settings , please note that ill do more testing and moding the amp or sell it to someone who doenst want bass...
- Saba 12inches (for bass) in oppen baffles 3 m high and 1.5 meter wide,
-Whd, medium - small.
-telefunken (best telefunken ever).
I used sony cd players, blu ray, mps players, and the legendary x707esd
no equalization was made.
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At: ebay
Similar Products Used: its my first tube amp.
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Submitted by
AudioPhileExpert101
a AudioPhile
from Date Reviewed: August 23, 2007
Strengths: -Great Price
-Powerful enough to drive most any speaker regardless or their sensitivity rating
-Fantastic Exotic Styling
-Just plain awesome sounding
-Super Super Super Quiet
-Very well built and designed
Weaknesses: -Tubes get HOT!! Don't kid yourself, 845 tubes are bright and get around 600 degrees F. You won't need a heater in that room during Winter! :)
-Blue LED power light started flickering. Not a big deal, but it can get annoying. Easy fix anyway. Whats the point of a power on LED anyway? The tubes glow very bright to begin with.
-On/Off Switch stuck in the on position. I never used the On/Off switch because I turn everything on with a power conditioner so I'm guessing the heat over time got to the switch. The surface of the amp would get around 180 degree's at times! Inexpensive switch anyway and it ended up fixing itself (came unstuck). After I ordered a new one of course. Still worth every penny.
-Lame Manual with few details.
Bottom Line: Well, where shall I begin. When I was looking for a good powerful single ended tube amplifier for my somewhat inefficient 90db speakers I stumbled across this monster. The looks just blew me away, but I wasn't after looks so I started researching. I wondered if it sounded as good as it looked. I read some various reviews and decided that I didn't feel like gambling away $1600 for a new one off eBay. Of course I was still in the market for a nice single ended tube amplifier, then one popped up on Audiogon used for $1000. I figured what the hell. I bought it and when it arrived I was even more impressed with it's looks and build quality in person. I immediately got everything hooked up and started warming up the Chinese tubes. After it was all warmed up I gave it a shot. WOW!!! I was blown away with it's attention to detail. All the instruments were clearly separated and sounded so smooth and realistic. The best part was how incredibly quiet the amp was. Actually it was quieter than most solid state equipment I have. Simply stunning! Of course it didn't end there. I started changing tubes and power cables within a week. I went through many power cables and the differences were minor. Of course the tube changes were far from minor sounding. I ended up with Telefunkin 12AX7's and Tung Sol 6SN7 GTB's (VT-231 USA Made). I never got a chance to change the big 845's, but I hear putting metal plate 845's in does something magical. I must say, it took hundreds of dollars in tubes to find a tube combination that bested the factory Chinese tubes. Overall I don't think anybody would be disappointed with this amplifier. Even if bought new for $1600 it's a steal compared to others. I personally love 845 tubes feel you will too!
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: Used
Similar Products Used: Too Many to List.
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