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Review 2 of 2
Price Paid:
$2000.00
from Audiogon Summary:
This is my first ALL-tube amp. I've had hybrids from Consonance, Llano, Monarchy, and Counterpoint. They all were very good in their own ways but, the JAS Array 2.1 is in another league alltogether! I suppose it must be that single
ended triode sound that we always read about in the hi-fi mags; the declaration of a living, breathing sound. Let me tell you, it is true! Well, it's true once you dump those stock tubes and spend almost another grand $$$ on real tubes.
I bought a pair of GE and RCA 805's, a pair of Sophia Meshplate 300B's, a quad of Ediswans 5358 (6dj8 equivalents), and a Brimar 12D5 (12au7) as well as tube dampers for all. (JAS uses a single 12ax7 but said it would be OK to use a 12au7 in that spot. I like the 12au7's less up-front sound better).
Also, spend the money on the best cables you can afford so you don't limit the Array's tranparency. The midrange is stunningly clear and immidiate. You are transported into the musical event. There is NO artificial quality to the sound (unless the recording is bad) as is the case in almost all the other amps I've had or heard. The Alternate Audio CA100 is the only other amp I've heard which imposes a similar lack of sonic signature but lacks the Array's immidiacy. This kind of listening is highly addictive. I tried a SIM Audio I-5 LE for a few weeks but couldn't stand the opaque sound it offered even though the SIM had better resolution and extension above and below. It's in the vital midrange that the Array
breathes life into recordings and allows you to hear (finally) the air and ambience of the recording venue. It is flat-out magical in this area.
The JAS Array 2.1 is rated at 45W/channel. Depending on what you listen to and what you listen on (speakers), this may or may not be enough. I have a pair of Legacy Focus clones using Eton drivers up top and a quad of 12" NHT subs below. I'd estimate them to be in the range of 95 db/1W efficient. That's quite efficient. For most jazz listening, the Array's 45W is sufficient. When the urge to boogie happens, however, I use a solid state amp to drive the subs. They say tube watts are different from solid state watts in that tubes clip more gracefully.
Maybe....but when the JAS runs out of power, dynamics collapse and the sound gets aggressive through the upper mids/lower treble. It's best to avoid this alltogether so pair the amp with suitable speakers.
With the Legacy Focus clones I use (which use Eton metal dome mids and tweeters), the Array does soften the top noticeably. Cymbals and bells and chimes don't shimmer and decay as clearly as they do on the SIM or the Consonance Calaf I have used. The detail is there, but not so apparent.
The bass of the Array however, is not diminished. This bass is full-bodied with good slam (for tubes). It propels the music along nicely (good PRAT) without bloat.
Speaking of bloat, I had expected a warmer, fuller sound from this tube amp (with a passive line stage). What I found instead (with the upgraded tubes and cords), was a highly detailed, well focused, and stunningly clear sound that has made all other amps seem dull and lifeless. Based SOLELY on sound, I think the JAS Array 2.1 is marvelous! If the power is sufficient, I highly recommend it!!!
HOWEVER, let me offer a few words of advice on this amp....as I've already indicated, retubing this amp is quite expensive. I don't know how long 805's or 300B's last but, expect to drop atleast $500 when replacing them. The 805 tubes run INSANELY HOT!!! I keep a small desktop sized fan behind the amp and use it when I'll be listening for more than 30 minutes. The air coming off these tubes with the fan easily warms the room to uncomfortable levels in all but the winter.
Speaking of insane, one should also consider the size of this beast. The amp is 26" wide and quite tall with the 805's/caps in place. The depth is quite manageable however but, the 100 lbs the Array weighs is back-breaking! And finally, the Array 2.1 lacks a remote control as does the matching 1.1 preamp. Strengths:
Stunning clarity and immidiacy with a recreation of the recording venue that is better than all others I've heard. Not only does the JAS recreate the music beautifully, it also recreates where the music was recorded. The inner detail through the midrange it top-notch. Weaknesses:
The top end isn't as extended or obviously resolving as some other amps I've used. 45Watts may limit its applicability. And...I wouldn't call them weeknesses but, the cost of tubes, tube heat, the amps size and weight, and a lack of remote might not impress everyone. Similar Products Used:
amps I've had over the last several years are: Classe 25, Krell KSA 100S,
Threshold SA-4e and T-200, Llano Trinity 200, Monarchy SE 160's monos
integrateds include: Denon DMA 2000, Alchemist Product, SIM Audio I-5 LE, and Consonance Calaf.
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