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Review 1 of 1
Price Paid:
$650.00
from E-Pay Summary:
Intro, I have been listening, buying and selling audio gear for the better part of my life, I have used Dyna,Mac,VTL,Hafler,T-Amp, Pioneed, Fisher...etc etc etc..... Recently I purchase the Dared VP-20 a very low buck tube amp set that claims to offer the same or better quality sound as the famous Mcintosh MC-240 when like tubes are used in each. I ordered the amp from EBAY for $650. 4 days later a nicely packaged double box showed up containing my new mono blocks, they were considerably smaller than I had imagined, but quite heavy and appear to be of good quality. I have to say that I was surprised and dissapointed that the tubes were preinstalled, the tubes have foam on all sides to prevent shifting, but I would still prefer see the tubes boxed sepatately and install them myself. While unboxing I also found a cleaning brush, a pair of white gloves that actually fit, and a soft cloth for cleaning tube rollling and general maintinance. I found this to be a nice touch. On to powering up; first off I left the wimpy power cord to live permanently in its original package and plugged in a Fastlane Audio AUG-10 power cord, then turned on the power. Needless to say the VP-20's passed the smoke test, and the tubes started glowing hot within seconds. I gave them just a few minutes to warm up then I introduced the VP-20 mono's to My two favorite artists Norah Jones and Diana Krall right away I noticed great bass response, and decent midrange in the first few minutes of operation. Next I let the tubes burn for 5-6 hours before any additional listening. When I returned I played Laurindo Almeida's Virtuoso Guitar, well known for his Samba guitar style and overwhelming xylaphone, I found this album amazing on the little Dared units. First the album is a very low cut that creeps up on you, but never like this, I was stunned by how dynamic the 6L6 tube really is, it reminded me of listening to Supertramps-Crime of the Century Original Master LP of the song "School" this cut also starts off low and progresses to the astonishing sound of a female screaming at the top of her lungs, I remember this well because every time she would scream my amps would go into protect and shut off. This is not at all the case with the compact disc which has seemed to lose all of its dynamics, probably due to the infinate wisdom of studio that destroyed this cut. Sorry for the flashback, but thats is the best way I can describe the Dared's initial presentation. Overall out of the box the Dared VP-20 performs well even with the stock tubes. BTW I have no intention of leaving the O/E tube in but it was certainly nice to have something to burn while I am waiting for a nice collection of Mullards, JJ's, EH'S to roll . Strengths:
Nice quality especially considering its price.
Great bass response
Very dynamic presentation (good midrange) (smooth high freq rolloff)
Excellent WAF (Wife acceptance factor) for price and looks
Did I mention the price.
Weaknesses:
Prefer tubes packed separately
Soundstage is a touch shallow - I suspect this is due to the low $$$ stock tubes.
The power supply has an extremely annoying blue light that is harsh to look at. May cause retinal scaring from extended exposure. This is also the case with my FUBAR an the Sonic Impact T amp, this lamp must have been on blue light special.
Similar Products Used:
Mcintosh SS MC-502
Dynaco 70 VTA TRIODE
Dynaco MK3 KT90 Mullards
VTL 300 Deluxe
Sonic Impact T-Amp
Speakers DIY ESS AMT-Tower transmission line XO @ 2500 HZ
Fastlane Audio: Intersection Preamp
Fastlane Audio: Speaker wires and Power Cables
Audiophile FUBAR DAC + ITUNES
Pioneer: SACD/DVDA
Sony PS-One SCPH-1001 don't laugh it really sounds good.
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