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Review 3 of 3
Price Paid:
$500.00
from Challenge HiFi Summary: Upgraded from a Luxman LV111 with this amp in 1996. It delivered big time - was like the Luxman had taken steroids and hit the gym hard.
The real strength of this amp is its firm grip on the bass and a very dynamic and lively presentation. Imaging is good but when compared to better stuff (I recently upgraded into a high end valve amp) it can sound a touch grainy and veiled.
Microdynamics are not its strength, but this baby was built for speed - rhythms come through really nicely.
All in all I would recommend this amp as fantastic value and a good choice for someone after power. It worked well as the main amp in a home cinema set up and the separate Record Out control is really handy.
This amp is now serving as a passive switchbox for all my sources before going into the valve amp. It only needs to be turned on if playing vinyl.
I am actually thinking about Bi-amping my system using this amp for the bass, and the valve amp for the treble. Strengths: Very good damping, highly dynamic, all in all an authorative sound. Weaknesses: Resolution could be improved, but when compared to others in the price range it was one of the best. It was awarded Best Integrated Amp in Australia for 2 years running!
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