AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Audio by Van Alstine => Topic started by: avahifi on 4 Aug 2011, 08:48 pm
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The Fet Valve 600R Hybrid Amplifier $2949
The Fet Valve 400R Hybrid Amplifier $2549
Presenting the new AVA Fet Valve R series amplifiers, available in two models, the Fet Valve 600R (300 watts per channel) and the Fet Valve 400R (200 watts per channel).
Both offer absolutely unique engineering accomplishments; active analog regulated power supplies for each section of each channel. There are active 12V heater supplies for each tube, active 275V and 200V regulators for each plate of each tube and for the mos-fet drivers, and finally (and an audio engineering first we believe) active analog regulated power supplies for each power mos-fet output circuit, ten high speed analog high current regulated power supplies in all. No switching supplies or associated RFI noise at all.
You have never heard before, at any price, the astonishing musical quality and control our engineering has now achieved. We offer simply astonishing bass range, control, and dynamics, open, layered, and emotional mid-range, and a top end that never stops, with no trace of glare, grain, or grit. Your speakers and your ears will never be happier.
Both amplifiers sound identical, you save $400 if you choose the Fet Valve 400R, if all you need is a very strong 200 watts per channel. The newest Exicon “double-die” power mos-fets are standard on both new Fet Valve R models.
Both amps use two ECC81/12AT7 tubes.
All new AVA products now include IEC power sockets and a ground lift switch to eliminate ground loop hum in complex systems.
All previous generation AVA hybrid amplifiers built in our large amplifier chassis can be upgraded to an equivalent Fet Valve 400R or 600R amplifier. (300 or 350 series to 400R, 500 or 550 series to 600R). The upgrade price is $1500.
The upgrade includes new audio boards, new small signal multiple regulated power supply board, new ground plain - high current regulated power supply boards, and new double die Exicon mos-fets as required. The upgrade also includes a new 3 year parts and labor warranty.
The 600R amplifier was driving Jim Salk's SoundScape 10 speakers at the recent California Audio Show when Stereophile rated our room as having "the best bass at the show." Of course the mids and highs were just as good.
These new amplifiers are spectacular! Call us for more details. 651-330-9871
Best regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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Today I got a chance to listen to the new 400R amp at Frank's studio when I went to pick up my Ultra DAC that was modded with the new Mosfet's. I was very impressed with the new amp. The amp is overall more musical, dynamic and resolving than the 550 that I had heard previously. Bass is tighter and seems faster, there seems to be more depth and detail to the music and the amp is dead quiet on soft passages. I think that it is a significant step up from the 550 and 350, so much so that I am now considering selling my Parasound A21 so that I can purchase the 400R. In a couple of weeks Frank is going to let me take a 400R home to audition. I will post another review on how it sounds in my system which consists of the Ultra II preamp, Ultra II DAC, Parasound A21 amp and Magnepan QR1.6 speakers.
Larry
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Larry:
Send the amp to me after you audition it. I want to compare it to my Mac MC-352 amp. Frank says I'll take a hammer to the Mac after I hear the 400R. Hard for me to believe.
Cheers
Charlie
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Larry:
Send the amp to me after you audition it. I want to compare it to my Mac MC-352 amp. Frank says I'll take a hammer to the Mac after I hear the 400R. Hard for me to believe.
Cheers
Charlie
An AVA amp tour? Sweet!!! Sign me up!!! :thumb:
I'd love to write a review of a direct comparison between the 600R and the venerable Fet Valve Ultra 550 (sporting NOS Telefunken ECC801S valves).
All I need now is the 600R to show up... 8)
This could be really cool. :D
Have fun,
Jerry
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New Fet Valve 400R/600R amp tour?
Lets see what Larry thinks about it when he gets to take it for the weekend. It can be this coming weekend if he has time.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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sign me up!
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New Fet Valve 400R/600R amp tour?
Lets see what Larry thinks about it when he gets to take it for the weekend. It can be this coming weekend if he has time.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
Frank, I am working this weekend but the following weekend I have off and would be able to audition the amp. Email or PM me and lets set up a time.
Thanks,
Larry
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I'll be home this weekend. :wink:
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If the tour comes through Chicago, I'd love to hear either of these amps. Haven't owned AVA in a long time but I still regret selling my Fetvalve! Frank has been making great sounging, high performing gear for a long time. I look forward to hearing the latest.
Cheers,
J
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Note that Jim Salk and I will be making a presentation to the Chicago Audio Club on Sunday, September 18th. We certainly will have the new amps there along with Jim's Soundscape 10 or 12 speakers.
See you then we hope.
Frank Van Alstine
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Just wanted to say that the new back panel layout as seen in the Absolute Sound looks very good. I am saving my pennies as we speak. Congrats!
Aln
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Just wanted to say that the new back panel layout as seen in the Absolute Sound looks very good. I am saving my pennies as we speak. Congrats!
Aln
Can someone post a picture of the new back panel layout? I'm interested in how it's changed.
Thanks!
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OK, OK, here are some pictures.......
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=49777)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=49778)
:thumb:
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Note that Jim Salk and I will be making a presentation to the Chicago Audio Club on Sunday, September 18th. We certainly will have the new amps there along with Jim's Soundscape 10 or 12 speakers.
See you then we hope.
Frank Van Alstine
I saw that listed in the September issue of Stereophile's Industry Update Calender. I grew up in Arlington Heights and used to be a mailman there in 1970 after I graduated from college, best paying job I could get with my degree. You should have a good sized crowd, good luck.
http://www.chicagoaudio.org/meetings.htm (http://www.chicagoaudio.org/meetings.htm)
The meeting starts at 2 pm and lasts till around 5 pm, with a break in between.
Newcomers are welcome! You can attend without obligation. There is a $5 fee for nonmembers. You can also join if you wish. Membership is open to all interested.
Location
Arlington Heights Historical Society (in the Arlington Room)
110 W. Fremont St.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 255-1225
Wayne
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Talked to Frank about a week ago asking about a problem with one of my ultra 550s, he told me about the new R series and it took him about 45 seconds to convince me to upgrade, sending in the first one on Monday the 15th, can hardly wait to hear it!!!
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If there really is going to be a consideration for a tour I'd like to sign up as well. I can bounce it against my Ultra 550 Double+. The latest iteration, also with ECC801S TFKs!
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Nice to see you around here Tony! 8)
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Hi Marty! Hope all is well.
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Larry:
Send the amp to me after you audition it. I want to compare it to my Mac MC-352 amp. Frank says I'll take a hammer to the Mac after I hear the 400R. Hard for me to believe.
Cheers
Charlie
Anything from AVA will smoke a McIntosh product. My 2 Hafler P500 AVA OmegaStar EX smoked the Mc's some time ago so much he sold his pair and bought two AVA units and AVA Ultra hybrid phase inverter. Mc's are dull and lifeless, and way over pricey, cool blue meters though.
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Anything from AVA will smoke a McIntosh product. My 2 Hafler P500 AVA OmegaStar EX smoked the Mc's some time ago so much he sold his pair and bought two AVA units and AVA Ultra hybrid phase inverter. Mc's are dull and lifeless, and way over pricey, cool blue meters though.
I disagree with you on the Mac's being dull and lifeless. Just the other way around in my system. Of course the Mac might be sounding so darn good in my system because I have it paired with Frank's Avastar preamp and Vision Hybrid DAC. Might just be like a marriage made in heaven. Now ain't that something!!
Cheers
Charlie
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Our experience with Mc's that where $6K where smoked by AVA/Hafler P500 rebuilds 2 Mc's running mono versus 2 P500 mono through Ultra Hybrid phase inverter, each P500 is around 1200-1400 W RMS using the great AVA Ultra phase inverter. He sold the Mc's went AVA! Sold his Focal Utopias which where smoked by Legacy Whisper...Whisper 1/4 price of the extremely grossly overpriced under performing Focals. Sonic blis is Legacy and AVA, with money left over for music to play on them. The Mc's look cool all blue and all, sonically they ain't got it. Sorry. Do a side by side comparison like we did, Mc's loose so did Focals compared to a used set of Whispers he bought and sold his focals. Performance is found for less with the right stuff
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Can I ask how much does the output increase as the impedence drops? I have 4 ohm Maggies, so do I approach 400 watts per side with the 400 R?
Great looking new products.
Mark
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Hi Minn Mark, The power will go up into lower impedance loads, should nearly double into 4 ohms, but I have not tested for that in the real world.
You are welcome to take a demo amp home for the weekend and try it for yourself.
Regards,
Frank
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I'm considering a used McIntosh Mc352 or Mc402 with a C46 or C48 Pre-amp to replace my Emotiva gear for later this year. I thought the McIntosh 2-ch system at the 2010 Ak-Fest was one of the best sounding systems at the show, but I believe it was over 40K. If I can get 90% of what I heard with used Mac equipment I would be happy. Any way, if anyone can compare the new Fet Valve 400R/600R to a McIntosh Mc352 /Mc402/ Mc302 amp it would be appreciated and save me a few dollars. Right now one down side to the Mac is the weight, over 100+ pounds. Boxing and shipping for service if ever required would be tough on my bad back.
Thank you,
RLL
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I'm considering a used McIntosh Mc352 or Mc402 with a C46 or C48 Pre-amp to replace my Emotiva gear for later this year. I thought the McIntosh 2-ch system at the 2010 Ak-Fest was one of the best sounding systems at the show, but I believe it was over 40K. If I can get 90% of what I heard with used Mac equipment I would be happy. Any way, if anyone can compare the new Fet Valve 400R/600R to a McIntosh Mc352 /Mc402/ Mc302 amp it would be appreciated and save me a few dollars. Right now one down side to the Mac is the weight, over 100+ pounds. Boxing and shipping for service if ever required would be tough on my bad back.
Thank you,
RLL
AVA does have a 30 trial period. I'm hoping that Frank will do a tour with an amp. I'd be very interested in that. :thumb:
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Ok, its all set. I am going to pick up the amp on friday and I will post a review over the weekend. I have a feeling that Frank is going to have to deal with my angry wife when I tell her I want to sell my Parasound and buy a new amp! :tempted:
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Parasound costs how much made where? AVA smokes em
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OK, OK, here are some pictures.......
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=49777)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=49778)
:thumb:
Modeled after a Dyna 410 of years gone by? Not the ckts but the chassis? Ever think of making a MONSTER amp like say 1kW pc? Massive transformers, lotsa output devices? 12ga line cord, with AVA imprinted on it, call it a magic wire!
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Parasound costs how much made where? AVA smokes em
What specific Parasound models have you personally compared to specific AVA models?
Steve
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:cry: typical response. Don't recall since they where underwhelming. But the price was shocking.
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:cry: typical response. Don't recall since they where underwhelming. But the price was shocking.
I don't think he was trying to insinuate that your comparison was invalid; he was just trying to compare apples to apples.
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I can't wait to hear this amp! I owned an AVA Fetvalve a few years ago and regret selling it. I sold it because I went to an active system and could not afford another one for the required 4 channels of amplification. I've sinced switched to a system that only requires 2 channels of amplification and look forward hearing the AVA.
I've never heard a Parasound amp that sounds as good as Frank's top of the line.
Frank's workmanship is first rate. The AVA gear is utilitarian, solid and great sounding. Congrats on the new addition to the line.
J
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Amp tour?? :eyebrows:
9-18-11?? :eyebrows:
~600watts into 4ohms?? :eyebrows:
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I don't think he was trying to insinuate that your comparison was invalid; he was just trying to compare apples to apples.
I was interested in specific comparisons and what areas might be lacking in the Parasound as I was briefly looking at an A21 among other amplifiers including several AVA models, but I do also believe the "comparison" is invalid as well.
To know that festuss has apparently heard several unknown Parasound models ("they") somewhere in a system other than his own, and that they were, in non-specific audio terms, "underwhelming", isn't all that helpful.
To say that the AVA "smokes em" (or "blows their doors off", "leaves 'em in the dust" or "kicks 'em to the curb") is not so much of comparison, but more of a blind brand loyalty statement and quick dismissal of other products.
As far as pricing, I don't see the A21 (next to the top of the line JC1 monoblocks in the Halo series) with 250W/ch @ 8 ohms and 400W/ch @ 4 ohms at an MSRP of $2299 as being particularly all that "shocking".
I do understand that this is the AVA circle and the topic is about the release of the two new 400R and 600R amplifier models, but since at least one Parasound user was going to replace a Parasound A21 amp with a new AVA 400R and another AVA user was so quick to trash any Parasound model, I was curious as to what sonic improvements the AVA might bring to the table.
Oh well.
Steve
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Don't dis the parasound A21, it performs well above its price point. It is extremely dynamic with tight deep, fast bass and has a neutral sound with good clarity and resolution. I bought mine new for $1850! It's high current with 60 peak amps, has true balanced XLR inputs and gain controls for each channel. It does not even get warm when I play it at loud volumes for 2 to 3 hours at a time driving my Maggie 1.6's. It matched better in my system than the old 550 which I liked very much. I think that the new AVA R series amps are a big step up in sound and are a real bargain. I have no doubt that they will sound better than my Parasound. The main draw back of the A21 is that it has a little grain and the top end can be a little hot. The 400R is smoother, sounds more natural, musical and detailed from what I can tell. I will know more when I do an in home audition.
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Don't dis the parasound A21, it performs well above its price point. It is extremely dynamic with tight deep, fast bass and has a neutral sound with good clarity and resolution. I bought mine new for $1850! It's high current with 60 peak amps, has true balanced XLR inputs and gain controls for each channel. It does not even get warm when I play it at loud volumes for 2 to 3 hours at a time driving my Maggie 1.6's. It matched better in my system than the old 550 which I liked very much. I think that the new AVA R series amps are a big step up in sound and are a real bargain. I have no doubt that they will sound better than my Parasound. The main draw back of the A21 is that it has a little grain and the top end can be a little hot. The 400R is smoother, sounds more natural, musical and detailed from what I can tell. I will know more when I do an in home audition.
I was not a fan of the 550 with Maggies. I brought mine to a friend's house and tried it with his Maggie 1.6's and I liked his Coda Continium better than my 550 with the Maggies. I think I liked the AVA better on my system at the time, Ellis 1801 speakers. I'm not going to make any friends with this statement but I think some amps sound better with certain speakers. This is the only comparison I've ever done with AVA and Magnepan speakers. Not sure they are the best match but it could have been another factor or maybe a matter of my subjective opinion and personal bias.
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http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHA21
Slow, limited range, a slew rate of how slow, come on this thing is a slug. Damping factor is really that high, or a typo? Made where, by people that get paid how much? Looks very crowded inside.
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The main draw back of the A21 is that it has a little grain and the top end can be a little hot. The 400R is smoother, sounds more natural, musical and detailed from what I can tell. I will know more when I do an in home audition.
Thank you. Hope it meets your expectations and beyond and looking forward to your evaluation.
Steve
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Holy Smokes its the same amp as my 1990-91 edition of the Fet-Valve 500, which I purchased from Frank, as his daughter was bringing it home from school in Montana. Was supposed to be bench tested before it was shipped off to me. Recall getting it UPS a day or two later. The amp never did sound correct to these ears, and I should"ve sent it back for repair or refund, my bad. After I sold it and moved on, the guy who bought it said he sent it in to get checked out and it was found to be way out of spec. Repaired and he was pleased. But this was supposed to be done for me, instead of boxed an shipped out. AVA lost a customer in me after that. Now I know sometimes things happen, and I dont hold grudges, I"m just stateing facts. Onto the new amp, C"mon guys, with all the open realstate inside I would"ve liked to see the Heatsinks/boards on either side, freeing up the rear panel to allow simple access. That rear heat sink is just a pain to navigate around period. I found this site as I go into the VMPS circle, own the RM-1s. Also have Salk Loudspeakers one county over in Oakland County, MI. ... An American Audiophile who prefers American made audio!
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http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHA21
Slow, limited range, a slew rate of how slow, come on this thing is a slug. Damping factor is really that high, or a typo? Made where, by people that get paid how much? Looks very crowded inside.
I don't want to turn this into a Parasound forum so I can PM you and we can talk about the specs. I posted here because I was able to audition the 400R which I liked very much and feel is a very special amp. I am sorry that I even brought up my Parasound but all I was trying to say is that I was impressed enough with the 400R that I would consider buying one to replace the Parasound. Oh and one last comment about the Parasound Feestus, the slew rate and dampening factor on the A21 is faster and higher than a Bryston 14B SST which cost thousands of dollars more. The higher the number the faster the amp! It does not mean that the A21 sounds better than a 14B SST!
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For what it is worth, the bandwidth of the Fet Valve R series amplifiers is 3 dB down at 4 Hz and 350,000 Hz. This is the natural bandwidth of the circuit design, no spec improving tweaks like feedforward compensation. We can use all of the bandwidth of the mos-fet output devices because all internal circuits have a Q of 0.5 or less, no underdamped resonances under any conditions. Thus we don't have to tie down the devices to keep the amp from turning into an oscillator. This also makes the amp very fault tolerant too.
Just for what it is worth. However, when you hear it, you will understand.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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I picked up the 600R today and I will post a preliminary review tomorrow. It's going to be fun!
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For what it is worth, the bandwidth of the Fet Valve R series amplifiers is 3 dB down at 4 Hz and 350,000 Hz. This is the natural bandwidth of the circuit design, no spec improving tweaks like feedforward compensation. We can use all of the bandwidth of the mos-fet output devices because all internal circuits have a Q of 0.5 or less, no underdamped resonances under any conditions. Thus we don't have to tie down the devices to keep the amp from turning into an oscillator. This also makes the amp very fault tolerant too.
Just for what it is worth. However, when you hear it, you will understand.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
My dad recently pointed out that his Denon SACD player has an option to output 50kHz or 100kHz bandwidth on the analog outputs when playing SACD. There is a warning that some amplifier could be damaged if they are not designed to handle such an input. Are you saying that the 400R would be fine with having a 100kHz bandwidth input?
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Although out of band high frequency signals won't damage our amplifiers, they are not good for your speakers. We designed for wide bandwidth so that high freqency garbage from sources won't further mix and be further distorted by our amplifiers. However we suggest that deliberately introducing out of band high frequency content into the system is not a good idea.
Frank
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Just a preliminary note- The amp is spectacular! I will give an in depth review tomorrow or monday evening when I have more time. I am tube rolling my preamp and DAC to see how it responds to different combo's.
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Darn, I was afraid this was going to happen.
My clients are going to be unable to tear themselves away from listening to the new Fet Valve 400R or 600R long enough to have time to write a review here. :cry:
Frank
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Darn, I was afraid this was going to happen.
My clients are going to be unable to tear themselves away from listening to the new Fet Valve 400R or 600R long enough to have time to write a review here. :cry:
Frank
Oh well, sounds like you have finally the masterpieces. Now to work on your preamps some more.
By the way, I was kinda amused to see that on these units you included IEC connectors. So what power cord did you supply? And why did you go that route as opposed to the cord you use in your other units? Just curious.
Ray Bronk
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From the AVA website:
"All NEW AVA equipment is now shipping with an IEC power jack and a removable 3 conductor power cord. No price increases for this new feature for now. Now you have the ability to try your own favorite power cord with AVA equipment."
I can't find the exact reference to quote, but it is a standard 16 gauge power cord that AVA has confirmed having a tight positive fit in the IEC jack.
The most recent topic about it can be found here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=95607.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=95607.0)
Steve
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Oh well, sounds like you have finally the masterpieces. Now to work on your preamps some more.
By the way, I was kinda amused to see that on these units you included IEC connectors. So what power cord did you supply? And why did you go that route as opposed to the cord you use in your other units? Just curious.
Ray Bronk
Bettcha that us common folks couldn't tell the audible difference between an IEC connector cable and the one Frank used for a whole bunch of years. K.I.S.S. OR!!! Keep it simply stupid! My fantastic sounding avastar preamp doesn't have a IEC connector and I sure as hell am not going to send it back to frank for an IEC connector.
Cheers
Charlie
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We switched all our chassis to use standard IEC power sockets and supply standard three conductor 16 gauge AC power cords simply because we decided that our "Custer's Last Stand" for rationality was costing us sales.
I can't hear any difference at all, we simpy ate the tooling costs to make the products more acceptable to those that absolutely must use their own better sounding power cable. It did not raise the cost, did nothing much bad, and so far has done not much good to improve sales. The IEC socket is definitely not available as a retrofit., circuit upgrades yes, dingleberry upgrades no
However, those that would never consider our equipment under any circumstances will now have to find a different excuse.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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It did not raise the cost, did nothing much bad, and so far has done not much good to improve sales.
Give it time, Frank. I am sure word will spread out, it will just take a little time, that's all. Sale is a funny thing, I've done it as an hobby. Now that your product are on par with the audio industry's mechanical standard, I am sure it'll catch on.
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New Fet Valve 400R/600R amp tour?
Lets see what Larry thinks about it when he gets to take it for the weekend. It can be this coming weekend if he has time.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
So now that Larry has had the time to post his cool 600R Review (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=97775.msg981051#msg981051), what do you think about a quick amp tour?
It sure would be fun. :thumb:
Jerry
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We switched all our chassis to use standard IEC power sockets and supply standard three conductor 16 gauge AC power cords simply because we decided that our "Custer's Last Stand" for rationality was costing us sales.
I can't hear any difference at all, we simpy ate the tooling costs to make the products more acceptable to those that absolutely must use their own better sounding power cable. It did not raise the cost, did nothing much bad, and so far has done not much good to improve sales. The IEC socket is definitely not available as a retrofit., circuit upgrades yes, dingleberry upgrades no
However, those that would never consider our equipment under any circumstances will now have to find a different excuse.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
hi Frank,
Ok, so if they still want the formerly standard two prong plugs, It's a simple fix. Put a plate over the ground lift switch, and a plate with a hole in it for the captive cable. leave the fuse on the outside. Charge $10 extra for the sideways move. . Actually what I would have liked to see is a Polarity switch. Sometimes the actual plugs are not always set up correctly. Just thought I'd mention it.
Ray
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One Fet Valve 400R--coming soon to a living room near me! :banana piano:
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An IEC never stopped anyone from buying a piece of gear. They just don't tune with power cords.
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Someone was asking me what an IEC was: "an Improvised Electronic Connection?" :duh:
An IEC never stopped anyone from buying a piece of gear. They just don't tune with power cords.
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Quote from: Listens2tubes on 13 Sep 2011, 01:37 PM
An IEC never stopped anyone from buying a piece of gear. They just don't tune with power cords.
Someone was asking me what an IEC was: "an Improvised Electronic Connection?" :duh:
Check out these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC
And I always retune after power chords. But I'm always tuning, anyway...
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An IEC never stopped anyone from buying a piece of gear. They just don't tune with power cords.
What does "tune with power cords" mean? Power cords make *no difference* in the sound unless they are wired incorrectly, what is there to "tune" about them?
I would probably prefer not to have unnecessary connections, and I can bet that all those twits saying they wouldn't buy a Frank amp because it didn't have a IEC connector will now just find another excuse, like, "its not put together with cryo-treated sheet metal screws!" to not buy one.
Brett
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What does "tune with power cords" mean? Power cords make *no difference* in the sound unless they are wired incorrectly, what is there to "tune" about them?
I would probably prefer not to have unnecessary connections, and I can bet that all those twits saying they wouldn't buy a Frank amp because it didn't have a IEC connector will now just find another excuse, like, "its not put together with cryo-treated sheet metal screws!" to not buy one.
Brett
I readily admit my "..always retune after power chords. But I'm always tuning, anyway.." comment was a pretty sophomoric play on words. Play and tune - as on guitar.
I'm just in a funk 'cause it's Friday night and I'm sitting home with no gig.
But I AM listening to the Fish Fry ( http://www.kcur.org/fishfry.html and http://www.kcur.org/ListenLive.html - Fri & Sat nites - 8pm 12am US Central ) on my AVA/Hsu system! Sounds mighty fine.
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Power cords make *no difference* in the sound unless they are wired incorrectly, what is there to "tune" about them?
That's not my experience.
I once demo'd a fine pair of Vandersteen 5As being driven by some mighty fine CJ tubed gear. The bass modules had these huge cords. I commented, and he plugged in a pair of 12 ga. stock power cords. It sucked. The magic was gone. It was tolerable music, if you hadn't heard it moments before.
I know it mattered there. To me, now, cords matter everywhere.
JMHO,
Jerry
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We switched all our chassis to use standard IEC power sockets and supply standard three conductor 16 gauge AC power cords simply because we decided that our "Custer's Last Stand" for rationality was costing us sales.
I can't hear any difference at all, we simpy ate the tooling costs to make the products more acceptable to those that absolutely must use their own better sounding power cable. It did not raise the cost, did nothing much bad, and so far has done not much good to improve sales. The IEC socket is definitely not available as a retrofit., circuit upgrades yes, dingleberry upgrades no
However, those that would never consider our equipment under any circumstances will now have to find a different excuse.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
Why not send this piece of info (and perhaps another review sample) to that Dagogo.com reviewer? I remember clearly that he really liked the amplifier but was convinced the lack of IEC held it back. Why not send over this information, give the reviewer some "credit", and allow yourself a well-deserved exceptional review?
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Of course you heard how much better a power cord sounds! you wanted to, you did. Did you know the COLOR of the plastic affects the sound also...keep digging for the best sounding ACl line cord! If I put a good sounding power cord on my computer, what happens?
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Of course you heard how much better a power cord sounds! you wanted to, you did. Did you know the COLOR of the plastic affects the sound also...keep digging for the best sounding ACl line cord! If I put a good sounding power cord on my computer, what happens?
Yes. Now that the IEC power cord feature is available, I've learned that my blue power cord for listening to blues was totally unnecessary once I started listening to AVA equipment. And "Yellow Submarine", "Orange Blossom Special".. I could go on, but why bother.
So much music, so little time.
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The Fet Valve 600R Hybrid Amplifier $2949
The Fet Valve 400R Hybrid Amplifier $2549
Presenting the new AVA Fet Valve R series amplifiers, available in two models, the Fet Valve 600R (300 watts per channel) and the Fet Valve 400R (200 watts per channel).
Both offer absolutely unique engineering accomplishments; active analog regulated power supplies for each section of each channel. There are active 12V heater supplies for each tube, active 275V and 200V regulators for each plate of each tube and for the mos-fet drivers, and finally (and an audio engineering first we believe) active analog regulated power supplies for each power mos-fet output circuit, ten high speed analog high current regulated power supplies in all. No switching supplies or associated RFI noise at all.
You have never heard before, at any price, the astonishing musical quality and control our engineering has now achieved. We offer simply astonishing bass range, control, and dynamics, open, layered, and emotional mid-range, and a top end that never stops, with no trace of glare, grain, or grit. Your speakers and your ears will never be happier.
Both amplifiers sound identical, you save $400 if you choose the Fet Valve 400R, if all you need is a very strong 200 watts per channel. The newest Exicon “double-die” power mos-fets are standard on both new Fet Valve R models.
Both amps use two ECC81/12AT7 tubes.
All new AVA products now include IEC power sockets and a ground lift switch to eliminate ground loop hum in complex systems.
All previous generation AVA hybrid amplifiers built in our large amplifier chassis can be upgraded to an equivalent Fet Valve 400R or 600R amplifier. (300 or 350 series to 400R, 500 or 550 series to 600R). The upgrade price is $1500.
The upgrade includes new audio boards, new small signal multiple regulated power supply board, new ground plain - high current regulated power supply boards, and new double die Exicon mos-fets as required. The upgrade also includes a new 3 year parts and labor warranty.
The 600R amplifier was driving Jim Salk's SoundScape 10 speakers at the recent California Audio Show when Stereophile rated our room as having "the best bass at the show." Of course the mids and highs were just as good.
These new amplifiers are spectacular! Call us for more details. 651-330-9871
Best regards,
Frank Van Alstine
Hi Frank,
Is any of the circuitry gonna find its way down to the lesser expensive amps? Those would be a real killer then.
Ray Bronk
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Hi Frank,
Is any of the circuitry gonna find its way down to the lesser expensive amps? Those would be a real killer then.
Ray Bronk
If it would, then that amp wouldn't end up being lesser expensive, would it? (In a previous post, Frank detailed the amount of man-hours needed to build a 400R/600R... I seem to recall 40 hours per amp?)
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If I recall, Frank said more like 20 to 25 hours per.
:smoke:
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I am training another skilled tech to build these amps right now. It looks like about 20+ hours of skilled time for either a new amp or an upgrade. This means the price won't be able to stay where it is for very long as we get a better handle on the labor costs.
8)
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Anyone who is considering upgrading an AVA 350 to the 400R and is wondering if it is worth doing, it certainly is. I notice that bass is tighter, vocals are fuller and sound more life-like, and guitar sounds more "real". I compared "stairway to heaven" from LED ZEPPELIN IV (Definitive Collection) on both versions of the amp. Robert Plant sounded like he was in the room. The solo at the end by Page sounded brite and shrill on the old version. After the upgrade, the solo was smooth but not TOO smooth. It sounded more like you would expect a guitar to sound like.
Next I wanted to try a good but poorly recorded album BLACK SABBATH "Born Again" (2011 Sanctuary Records Remaster). The bass is muddy and the album is very "Noisy". Iommi's guitar solo at the end of "Trashed" can kill a chicken! After the upgrade the bass is tighter and more defined. Iommi's solo is still brite, but nowhere near as bad. Ian Gillan's vocals sound MUCH better and life-like. If this upgrade will make this album sound better than it ever has, then imagine how nice STEELY DAN's "AJA" will sound. If you are undecided about the upgrade, I highly recommend it.
PS:
My system consists of:
AVA Fet Valve 400R amp
AVA T8+ pre-amp
AVA Ultra 2 DAC
MAGNEPAN 1.7 speakers
Blue Jeans Cable and IC
-NIGHTFALL1970
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Nightfall, how is the high end space and extension? Does it sound balanced with the rest of the range? More present? Less present?
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Nightfall is describing the amp just as I heard it. Tony, the high end extension is excellent, much better than the out going Fet Valve amp. The sound of the amp is very coherent from top to bottom.
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Come on Frank lets's have a demo tour for the 600, pretty please
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A demo tour will have to wait until we fill a couple dozen back orders for 400R and 600R amps. We are training new assemblers, but the amps, either new or rebuilds, take about 25 hours of skilled build time each and our lead times are out 6-8 weeks right now. Also we have four different reviewers that want samples right now.
They have even got me back to the workbench a lot more than at the computer. People are simply blown away by these new amplifiers.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
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So what you're saying is, maybe in a year or so? :sad: Congrats on the new design Frank, I love to see folks doing well especially in this economy.
Kind Regards,
Guy
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Frank,
Have you had any requests to review the new Pre and/or Dac?
Thanks,
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Tony,
I think that I.Greyhound Fan answered your question better than I could. The highs are not harsh, brite or glaring. They are smooth and easy on the ears, but not too rolled off to eliminate all the dynamics. The amp does not sound like a "bass machine" either. I want to clarify something from my last post that both albums were CDs.
Also, that I was using my 1990 Sony x55 ES CD player at the time and did not have Franks Ultra 2 DAC yet. I don't want people to think that that "influenced" the sound any. After the upgrade all instruments sounded "clearer" and more defined. Things became more 3 dimensional.
PS:my CD player is a Cambridge Audio Sonata
TT is a REGA P1 with Audio-Technica AT-95 cart
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Frank, I would love to review the new Preamp and Dac! Drop me an email or PM.
Larry
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One Fet Valve 400R--coming soon to a living room near me!
It's here.
Oh. My. Goodness!
Have only had a few minutes to listen, but already, what a difference! I say this every time I upgrade at AVA, but it's another layer of fog between the listener and the music removed. Again am hearing more stuff I don't remember hearing before, even on a 55 year old mono LP!
Frank asked me to start out without my subwoof on as I might never need it again. I need more time to decide on that, but I'll say this: I'm hearing a lot more bass right now from my Maggie MMG's than I have a right to expect.
As always, Frank and his staff were most kind and helpful. Homerun, AVA, thank you so much!! :beer: More later.
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I was just looking at the AVA site, and is that right? The new amps only have 8 double die output MOSFETs? Or is that a typeo?
:smoke:
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Hey Mark, that is the same as 16 standard die devices. We built these amps for years with 8 standard devices with no problems at all.
One location on each heat sink section is required for a big TO-3 case double die mos-fet output transistor needed for the regulator circuits. The regulator transistors don't work hard at all. At full line voltage there is very little current across them, at clipping, at maximum current draw, there is very little voltage across them. The system works great.
Frank
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Frank, demo tour of the 600R pretty please :drool:
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Actually, I will be gone for the next three days on a tour myself.
I am heading to Kansas and Oklahoma chasing tornadoes this weekend with three very well trained meteorologists and severe weather spotters.
Back home sometime Monday with some good video footage I hope. I just bought a new Sony HD video camera to take on the trip and hopefully learn to use along the way.
Regards,
Frank
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Actually, I will be gone for the next three days on a tour myself.
I am heading to Kansas and Oklahoma chasing tornadoes this weekend with three very well trained meteorologists and severe weather spotters.
Back home sometime Monday with some good video footage I hope. I just bought a new Sony HD video camera to take on the trip and hopefully learn to use along the way.
Regards,
Frank
Looks like you are in for some excitement (hopefully not TOO much):
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/large-dangerous-plains-tornado/64003 (http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/large-dangerous-plains-tornado/64003)
A life-threatening, large outbreak of tornadoes is forecast to unfold across the central and southern Plains this weekend.
According to AccuWeather.com Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams, "The risk is about as high as it gets."
Oklahoma City and Wichita lie in the heart of the tornado threat area that extends from near Wichita Falls, Texas, to near Omaha, Neb., late Saturday afternoon through Saturday night.