The finest amplifier you've ever heard

[Robert Morein]

What was it? What is it?

[Sander deWaal]

"Robert Morein" > said:

>What was it? What is it?

My own.

--
Sander deWaal
"SOA of a KT88? Sufficient."

[JBorg]

Robert Morein wrote in message




> What was it? What is it?




Would have to be those I heard that nicely compliments others in the
signal line, and that were set up optimally in dealers showrooms.

1. a jumbo-size KRELLS driving Wilson Grand Slam.

[Sander deWaal]

"JBorg" > said:

>1. a jumbo-size KRELLS driving Wilson Grand Slam.

While that's certainly an impressive system (I've heard this
combination as well, the Krell was an older KSA150) , I do think that
having this system in my home, I would grow tired rather quickly by
it. It's just too much for my tastes.
Besides, I never liked Krells.

Jadis JA80, triode strapped. Yep, about the best amp I've ever heard.

--
Sander deWaal
"SOA of a KT88? Sufficient."

[MINe 109]

Either

McIntosh MC 275/Klipsch La Scala

or

Linn whatever the super switching amp is called.

Stephen

[JBorg]

> Sander deWaal" > wrote
>> "JBorg" > said:
>
>
>
>> 1. a jumbo-size KRELLS driving Wilson Grand Slam.
>
> While that's certainly an impressive system (I've heard this
> combination as well, the Krell was an older KSA150) , I do think that
> having this system in my home, I would grow tired rather quickly by
> it. It's just too much for my tastes.


You're taste certainly is more refine having fool around with
numerous amps of various character.

> Besides, I never liked Krells.

There are many bothersome influences that make it difficult for one
to decide which is the finest amp. Choosing a finest amps misleads
one to sellect the most appropriate one.


> Jadis JA80, triode strapped. Yep, about the best amp I've ever heard.


Yes, of course, as long as it is not too much for your taste. ;-(


> --
> Sander deWaal
> "SOA of a KT88? Sufficient."

[Bruce J. Richman]

Stephen wrote:


>Either
>
>McIntosh MC 275/Klipsch La Scala
>
>or
>
>Linn whatever the super switching amp is called.
>
>Stephen
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

One of the best systems I ever heard, many years ago, was a set of Magneplanar
Tympanis (not sure which model) and a set of large Audio Research tubed
amplifiers.



Bruce J. Richman

[JBorg]

> MINe 109 wrote in message
>
>
>
>
>
> Either
>
> McIntosh MC 275/Klipsch La Scala
>
> or
>
> Linn whatever the super switching amp is called.
>
> Stephen




Objection !


Please respond to OP in kind.

[Bruce J. Richman]

JBorg wrote:


>> Sander deWaal" > wrote
>>> "JBorg" > said:
>>
>>
>>
>>> 1. a jumbo-size KRELLS driving Wilson Grand Slam.
>>
>> While that's certainly an impressive system (I've heard this
>> combination as well, the Krell was an older KSA150) , I do think that
>> having this system in my home, I would grow tired rather quickly by
>> it. It's just too much for my tastes.
>
>
>You're taste certainly is more refine having fool around with
>numerous amps of various character.
>
>> Besides, I never liked Krells.
>
>There are many bothersome influences that make it difficult for one
>to decide which is the finest amp. Choosing a finest amps misleads
>one to sellect the most appropriate one.
>
>
>> Jadis JA80, triode strapped. Yep, about the best amp I've ever heard.
>
>
>Yes, of course, as long as it is not too much for your taste. ;-(
>
>
>> --
>> Sander deWaal
>> "SOA of a KT88? Sufficient."
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

I'm impressed with the sound of Jadis amplifiers also, but I'm not sure they
are worth mortgage-size price tags (at least in the US), when other brands that
I prefer (e.g. Conrad Johnson) are more reasonably priced.



Bruce J. Richman

[Mike Gilmour]

Nestorovic Lab Alpha Ones driving Infinity IIb's - unfortunately let them go
when I got RS-1b's as not enough 'umph. Krells only good for bass imo...
Also leanings towards Atma-sphere, Cello, CJ, FM Acoustic, Jadis, Nagra,
McIntosh, NRG Control, VTL/Manley and I'd like to hear Halcro.

Mike

[JBorg]

> Bruce J. Richman" wrote
>> JBorg wrote:
>>> Sander deWaal" wrote
>>>> "JBorg said:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> 1. a jumbo-size KRELLS driving Wilson Grand Slam.
>>>
>>> While that's certainly an impressive system (I've heard this
>>> combination as well, the Krell was an older KSA150) , I do think that
>>> having this system in my home, I would grow tired rather quickly by
>>> it. It's just too much for my tastes.
>>
>>
>> You're taste certainly is more refine having fool around with
>> numerous amps of various character.
>>
>>> Besides, I never liked Krells.
>>
>> There are many bothersome influences that make it difficult for one
>> to decide which is the finest amp. Choosing a finest amps misleads
>> one to sellect the most appropriate one.
>>
>>
>>> Jadis JA80, triode strapped. Yep, about the best amp I've ever heard.
>>
>>
>> Yes, of course, as long as it is not too much for your taste. ;-(
>>
>>
>>> --
>>> Sander deWaal
>>> "SOA of a KT88? Sufficient."
>>
>
> I'm impressed with the sound of Jadis amplifiers also, but I'm not sure they
> are worth mortgage-size price tags (at least in the US), when other brands that
> I prefer (e.g. Conrad Johnson) are more reasonably priced.
>
>
>
> Bruce J. Richman


I hope that the Jadis' price tag wasn't a bothersome influence leading you to prefer
C-J. I also like C-J preamps after hearing them in showrooms hook up to
speaker I'm familiar with.

[JBorg]

> Mike Gilmour wrote in message
>
>
>
> Nestorovic Lab Alpha Ones driving Infinity IIb's - unfortunately let them go
> when I got RS-1b's as not enough 'umph. Krells only good for bass imo...
> Also leanings towards Atma-sphere, Cello, CJ, FM Acoustic, Jadis, Nagra,
> McIntosh, NRG Control, VTL/Manley and I'd like to hear Halcro.
>
> Mike



In a word or two, what is the Nestorovic amp's sound character ? Do you still
prefer it over the other if hook up with Infinity llb ?

[MINe 109]

In article >,
"JBorg" > wrote:

> > MINe 109 wrote in message
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Either
> >
> > McIntosh MC 275/Klipsch La Scala
> >
> > or
> >
> > Linn whatever the super switching amp is called.
> >
> > Stephen
>
>
>
>
> Objection !
>
>
> Please respond to OP in kind.

"What was it? What is it?"

I assumed he wanted two amps...

Stephen

[JBorg]

> MINe 109 wrote
>
>
>
> "What was it? What is it?"
>
> I assumed he wanted two amps...
>
> Stephen


Do you think the OP failed to make his request
clear, or simply wanted the question answered
twice ?

[Powell]

"Bruce J. Richman" wrote

> >Either
> >
> >McIntosh MC 275/Klipsch La Scala
> >
> >or
> >
> >Linn whatever the super switching amp is called.
> >
> One of the best systems I ever heard, many years ago,
> was a set of Magneplanar Tympanis (not sure which
> model) and a set of large Audio Research tubed
> amplifiers.
>
ARC VT130 driving Wilson Watt/Puppy

ARC VT200 driving Avalon Eclipse

Krell KSA driving Apogee/Apogee

ML No. 33H driving Eggleston Rosa

And, reaching back,

Carver Silver Seven driving Carver Amazing.

Finally, at the dawn of time,

Crown DC300A or Marantz 400M driving Altec Barcelona,
Klipsch Klipschorn, or JBL 200. It was all we had...and
it was GOOD enough! (SNL, Dana Carvey)

[Annika1980]

Sansui AU-717

[JBorg]

> Powell wrote
> "Bruce J. Richman" wrote
>
>
>
>
>> One of the best systems I ever heard, many years ago,
>> was a set of Magneplanar Tympanis (not sure which
>> model) and a set of large Audio Research tubed
>> amplifiers.
>>
>
> ARC VT130 driving Wilson Watt/Puppy
>
> ARC VT200 driving Avalon Eclipse
>
> Krell KSA driving Apogee/Apogee
>
> ML No. 33H driving Eggleston Rosa
>
> And, reaching back,
>
> Carver Silver Seven driving Carver Amazing.
>
> Finally, at the dawn of time,
>
> Crown DC300A or Marantz 400M driving Altec Barcelona,
> Klipsch Klipschorn, or JBL 200. It was all we had...and
> it was GOOD enough! (SNL, Dana Carvey)


Would you admit to yourself that the various loudspeaker you
mentioned above variably influence you from choosing the
finest among the amps you selected above ?



--

Now Playing:


Tell Mama by Savoy Brown

From: The Best Of Savoy Brown
20th Century Master/Polydor

[JBorg]

> Annika1980 wrote in message
>
>
>
>
> Sansui AU-717


http://www.hifiland.net/soubory/Zesilovace/Sansui%20AU-717%20TU-719.jpg

[MINe 109]

In article >,
"JBorg" > wrote:

> > MINe 109 wrote
> >
> >
> >
> > "What was it? What is it?"
> >
> > I assumed he wanted two amps...
> >
> > Stephen
>
>
> Do you think the OP failed to make his request
> clear, or simply wanted the question answered
> twice ?

None of the above.

[JBorg]

> MINe 109" wrote
>> "JBorg" wrote:
>>> MINe 109 wrote
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "What was it? What is it?"
>>>
>>> I assumed he wanted two amps...
>>>
>>> Stephen
>>
>>
>> Do you think the OP failed to make his request
>> clear, or simply wanted the question answered
>> twice ?
>
>
>
> None of the above.



If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
wanted two amps ?

[MINe 109]

In article >,
"JBorg" > wrote:

> > MINe 109" wrote
> >> "JBorg" wrote:
> >>> MINe 109 wrote
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> "What was it? What is it?"
> >>>
> >>> I assumed he wanted two amps...
> >>>
> >>> Stephen
> >>
> >>
> >> Do you think the OP failed to make his request
> >> clear, or simply wanted the question answered
> >> twice ?
> >
> >
> >
> > None of the above.
>
>
>
> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
> wanted two amps ?

If you're Arny, I offered two choices of *one* amp. (Of course, I heard
the Linn in a four-way active system...)

If you're not, who cares?

Stephen

[Clyde Slick]

"JBorg" > wrote in message
. com...
> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
> wanted two amps ?
>
>
Touche

[Clyde Slick]

"JBorg" > wrote in message
. com...
>> Annika1980 wrote in message
>>
>> Sansui AU-717
>
>
> http://www.hifiland.net/soubory/Zesilovace/Sansui%20AU-717%20TU-719.jpg
>
>

"At least" it's the finest picture of an amplifier I have ever seen.

[JBorg]

> MINe 109 wrote
>> JBorg wrote:
>>> MINe 109 wrote
>>>> JBorg wrote:
>>>>> MINe 109 wrote
>
>
>
>>>>> "What was it? What is it?"
>>>>>
>>>>> I assumed he wanted two amps...
>>>>>
>>>>> Stephen
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Do you think the OP failed to make his request
>>>> clear, or simply wanted the question answered
>>>> twice ?
>>>
>>>
>>> None of the above.
>>
>>
>> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
>> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
>> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
>> wanted two amps ?
>
>
> If you're Arny, I offered two choices of *one* amp.

No I'm not and so, must reject the offer to chose.

> (Of course, I heard the Linn in a four-way active system...)
>
> If you're not, who cares?


I'm not and thusly, do you think the OP care for failing to
make his his request clear or, simply wanted the answer
repeated twice?

> Stephen

[JBorg]

> Clyde Slick" > wrote
>> "JBorg" > wrote
>
>> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
>> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
>> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
>> wanted two amps ?
>>
>>
> Touche


Actually, I was rather surprise you said that. I'm doing the bills and
filings here on my desk and looking at rao here and there. Boring
as it may, I thought Mine 109 just wanted to tag along.

There is the issue of choosing the finest amp though, what do you
think ?

[JBorg]

Clyde Slick wrote


>>
>> http://www.hifiland.net/soubory/Zesilovace/Sansui%20AU-717%20TU-719.jpg
>>
>>
>
> "At least" it's the finest picture of an amplifier I have ever seen.


It got lots a button and switches. I wonder what happen if one is
indecisive.

[jw]

"JBorg" > wrote in message
. com...

> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
> wanted two amps ?

Fluency in English?
"What was it?" implies past tense - maybe the first time the audio bug
bit...
"What is it"? implies present tense - perhaps: Now that your tastes have
matured, what do you like now?

The first system I heard that really impressed me was in 1978: A B&O
turntable and an onkyo integrated amp running a pair of DQ-10s. Man, many
nights were spent listening to that rig while sampling Austin's finest...
Now... I don't know what is best, but some of the most satisfying systems I
have heard were comprised of big Classe amps (Omega?) driving Joseph, Dali
and KEF speakers. My dream amp for quite a while was the big McCormick amp
(DNA something or other)from the late 90s, the list could go on. Current
fiscal responsibilities preclude a serious system, or the time spent to even
identify a fantasy. But I did hear the big adcom driving KEF reference model
something - near the top of their line - playing the Nils Lofgren cut on the
Dali demo disk - sounded great until a transient killed the amp, disc player
and pre-amp. No smoke - just a big chord and no mo music... Dealer told me
he had to send the amp back to Adcom. I think the panamax died too.
Reminded me of the old days when I sold audio gear - I would play a
particular cut off an old Telarc disc (Spies) that had a loud, low synth
note. I would use it to demonstrate the difference between any receiver and
a good amp. I don't recall killing any; just shutting them down;
particularly if they were driving a demanding speaker like the Infinity
Kappa 9s.

[jw]

Oh yeah, BAT...
Oh I heard a Plinius (sp?) driving Totems at a shop near NYU. I was very
impressed with that setup.

"JBorg" > wrote in message
. com...
> > Clyde Slick" > wrote
> >> "JBorg" > wrote
> >
> >> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
> >> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
> >> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
> >> wanted two amps ?
> >>
> >>
> > Touche
>
>
> Actually, I was rather surprise you said that. I'm doing the bills and
> filings here on my desk and looking at rao here and there. Boring
> as it may, I thought Mine 109 just wanted to tag along.
>
> There is the issue of choosing the finest amp though, what do you
> think ?
>
>

[Robert Morein]

"Robert Morein" > wrote in message
...
> What was it? What is it?
>
>
In my case, the Acoustat TNT-200.
This piece was featured on the cover of Audio Magazine in 1983.
The review opined that this amplifier represented a quantum leap in
transparency.
The amplifier has a very simple, but novel topology that Jim Strickland, the
designer, called "Transnova."
This topology became the intellectual property of Rockford/Fosgate/Hafler.
However, later designs using this topology have never achieved quite the
level of transparency of the original Acoustat, as their designs were
complicated by professional demands for failure mode protection. For
example, the original Acoustat is claimed to be short circuit proof, but a
short of either floating output terminal to the chassis burns out certain
passive components.

The amplifier is built on a stainless steel chassis with welded screw
machine thread buttons and aluminum covers, much like equipment in the $5k -
$10K range today. There are three gain stages, the first two JFET, powered
by a regulated supply. Screw terminal computer grade caps are used for the
semi-dual mono MOSFET output stages. A friend of mine remarks that use of an
Acoustat in a system is a little like adding a subwoofer. Bass control is
absolute. With most soft dome tweeters, highs are sparkling without
harshness.

The amplifier is less pleasing with hard dome tweeters and VonSchweikerts,
even though they use a soft dome. When the match is bad, the power with
which this amplifier reproduces transients can be fatiguing to the listener.
Slew rate is 165v/us, and with this topology, the MOSFETS can be driven all
the way to saturation.

When the Acoustat TNT-200 doesn't match well, I resort to one of the Hafler
XL series, also a MOSFET design, but with an entirely different sound
character that matches well to hard domes.

Those who believe that amplifier bandwidth and speed are largely irrelevant
may find reason to investigate the question further once they hear this
amplifier.

[Lionel]

JBorg wrote:
>>Annika1980 wrote in message
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Sansui AU-717
>
>
>
> http://www.hifiland.net/soubory/Zesilovace/Sansui%20AU-717%20TU-719.jpg
>

Too much filters.

[JBorg]

> jw wrote in message
>
>
>
> Oh yeah, BAT...
> Oh I heard a Plinius (sp?) driving Totems at a shop near NYU. I was very
> impressed with that setup.


Oh yes...Plinius. I almost bought their integret. last year. Indeed, one of
the finest sounding in their class at reasonable cost. Thanks for bringing
that up.


http://www.pliniusaudio.com/pro/pro05.htm

[Marc Phillips]

Audio Note Ongaku driving Avantgarde Trios.

Boon

[JBorg]

> jw wrote
>> JBorg wrote in message
>
>
>
>
>> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
>> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
>> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
>> wanted two amps ?
>
>
> Fluency in English?
>
> "What was it?" implies past tense - maybe the first time the audio bug
> bit...
>
> "What is it"? implies present tense - perhaps: Now that your tastes have
> matured, what do you like now?


Well said. You get half the penny for that one.


> The first system I heard that really impressed me was in 1978: A B&O
> turntable and an onkyo integrated amp running a pair of DQ-10s. Man, many
> nights were spent listening to that rig while sampling Austin's finest...
> Now... I don't know what is best, but some of the most satisfying systems I
> have heard were comprised of big Classe amps (Omega?)

Classe went ultra high-end early this year, hint: $$$, and one of the sales
personnel I know from local dealer resented them for that and rightfully so
cause now their latest product line just cost way up there for typical audio
buff to reach. I do like the amps they made the past ten years or so as I've
heard most of them. In fact, I own the Classe model 10 and I have no complain.


> driving Joseph, Dali
> and KEF speakers. My dream amp for quite a while was the big McCormick amp
> (DNA something or other)from the late 90s, the list could go on. Current
> fiscal responsibilities preclude a serious system, or the time spent to even
> identify a fantasy. But I did hear the big adcom driving KEF reference model
> something - near the top of their line - playing the Nils Lofgren cut on the
> Dali demo disk - sounded great until a transient killed the amp, disc player
> and pre-amp. No smoke - just a big chord and no mo music... Dealer told me
> he had to send the amp back to Adcom. I think the panamax died too.
> Reminded me of the old days when I sold audio gear - I would play a
> particular cut off an old Telarc disc (Spies) that had a loud, low synth
> note. I would use it to demonstrate the difference between any receiver and
> a good amp. I don't recall killing any; just shutting them down;
> particularly if they were driving a demanding speaker like the Infinity
> Kappa 9s.

Hey jw, sounds like you been around. Thanks for sharing.

[Mike Gilmour]

"JBorg" > wrote in message
. com...
>> Mike Gilmour wrote in message
>>
>>
>>
>> Nestorovic Lab Alpha Ones driving Infinity IIb's - unfortunately let them
>> go
>> when I got RS-1b's as not enough 'umph. Krells only good for bass
>> imo...
>> Also leanings towards Atma-sphere, Cello, CJ, FM Acoustic, Jadis, Nagra,
>> McIntosh, NRG Control, VTL/Manley and I'd like to hear Halcro.
>>
>> Mike
>
>
>
> In a word or two, what is the Nestorovic amp's sound character ? Do you
> still
> prefer it over the other if hook up with Infinity llb ?

Yes, compared to many other amps auditioned. Worked so well together -in a
nutshell a touchable soundstage the ability to make you really jump on
sudden passages. Mile Nestorovic used to design for McIntosh before doing
his own thing.

Mike

[Clyde Slick]

"JBorg" > wrote in message
. com...
>> Clyde Slick" > wrote
>>> "JBorg" > wrote
>>
>>> If it's indeterminate whether the OP's request is clear
>>> and/or whether he desire that responses be repeated
>>> twice, what reason can be safely place to assume he
>>> wanted two amps ?
>>>
>>>
>> Touche
>
>
> Actually, I was rather surprise you said that. I'm doing the bills and
> filings here on my desk and looking at rao here and there. Boring
> as it may, I thought Mine 109 just wanted to tag along.
>
> There is the issue of choosing the finest amp though, what do you
> think ?

My response was more to style than content.
To answer your question: Atmasphere
For a non-OTL, a pair of Radio Craftsman 500-A

[Powell]

"JBorg" wrote

> > ARC VT130 driving Wilson Watt/Puppy
> >
> > ARC VT200 driving Avalon Eclipse
> >
> > Krell KSA driving Apogee/Apogee
> >
> > ML No. 33H driving Eggleston Rosa
> >
> > And, reaching back,
> >
> > Carver Silver Seven driving Carver Amazing.
> >
> > Finally, at the dawn of time,
> >
> > Crown DC300A or Marantz 400M driving Altec Barcelona,
> > Klipsch Klipschorn, or JBL 200. It was all we had...and
> > it was GOOD enough! (SNL, Dana Carvey)
>
> Would you admit to yourself that the various
> loudspeaker you mentioned above variably influence
> you from choosing the finest among the amps you
> selected above ?
>
If the questions is, does speaker performance influence
the selection of the amp? Yes. OTOH, the amp you have
often influences what speakers you purchase. And
serendipity is another factor. Preference is the only
non-variable factor, unless I change my mind :).

[JBorg]

> Powell wrote in
>> JBorg" wrote
>
>
>
>
>> Would you admit to yourself that the various
>> loudspeaker you mentioned above variably influence
>> you from choosing the finest among the amps you
>> selected above ?
>>

> If the questions is, does speaker performance influence
> the selection of the amp? Yes. OTOH, the amp you have
> often influences what speakers you purchase. And
> serendipity is another factor.

Yes to all the above and below. First, I'm not saying anything
new or interesting, just wanna talk audio so anyway, one cannot
really sellect a particular amp as finest all by itself. The
serendipity factor you mention above I think compliment this,
that is: the only way to discover an impressive amp is by way
of hearing it in terms of how it manifest itself through another
component which is the speaker.

Except for krooborg who think that graphs and sinewave perfor-
mance is good enough.

> Preference is the only non-variable factor, unless I change
> my mind :).


Right, I'm reading that 360* and yes, preference is what you
make it to be. In the case of krooborg, he prefers it be called
a distraction.