I ordered my ACA 2b from nOrh and it arrived two days later. Now
that's quick! For pictures, you should check out the nOrh
website. I really like how the chrome chassis accents the
transformer and tubes - very nice. The tubes, Sovtek 6922's,
had already been installed and all I had to do was plug it in and
play after unpacking. There's no manual, but that doesn't bother
me. It's so simple to use, it becomes apparent that one isn't
necessary. Besides, if you have questions, no matter how
technical, just send an e-mail to nOrh.
Now, about the sound. After the 90 seconds warm up/wait I
threw in a Pat Metheny cd and began to listen. Whoa! This thing
is LOUD! Loud and clear. That's not to say things were great
from the start. Bass was bloated, midrange rough and edgy and the
treble was thin. However, there was a rightness to what I was
listening to which I hadn't heard before - I think I'd call it
balance contrary to the above. After a couple of weeks things got
much better. However, it wasn't until I changed the tubes when I
really 'heard' this preamp. I bought a set (and spares) of
Amperex Bugleboy 6DJ8's and the change was amazing! Keep in mind
I'm talking about the preamp here, not the tubes. The human voice
is REAL! What I mean is that when I hear a singer's voice I also
get emotion, weight, and texture in the room with me. Has a
vocalist ever given you chills from listening? The ACA 2b will
and does just that. Every breath and pause are captured in a very
stimulating fashion. Bass is very defined and powerful. Deep
bass too is very rewarding, and overall this is the best I've
heard from my speakers. The midrange is very open and energetic
with no glare or coloration; in a word superb! When I hear a
trombone or French horn, I'm completely convinced that it IS that
instrument. A French horn, trombone, and baritone have three
distinct sounds from my ACA 2b but can tend to sound alike with
lesser components . If you like the piano, you're in for a real
treat. Every note on the piano is defined and carries weight -
try Diana Krall and you'll see what I mean. (I really do know how
a trombone should sound, I have played one for over 15 years.)
Treble is not airy, at least in my system. What the ACA 2b does
for treble is what icing does for cake. Once again, it's not
harsh or glaring, but very defined and accurate. I like the way
cymbals shiver when they are struck. Clearly I can
hear whether it's a stick or a brush on the cymbal, small or
large. Here again, the ACA 2b differentiates the sounds of
various cymbals with distinct sizzles and textures. This preamp
defines and delivers. The sound stage is huge and accurate in
it's presentation; depth and width are excellent with air between
instruments. Imaging is spectacular! It adds nothing to the
music as far as it having a articular sound. It recreates all
types of music very well, no matter what style so don't worry. It
will, however, not be so nice to poor recordings. The best part is
that I have yet to hear it at it's best. My review of the ACA 2b
is after about 80 hours of play. I'm almost certain it will only
get better with time.
I am extremely satisfied with this preamplifier and will have
it for a very long time. My previous preamp was an Audio Research
LS3 which served me well. The ACA 2b takes everything to a new
level. It is simply excellent ear food! nOrh has won me over not
because they are inexpensive, but because of the philosophy that
everyone should be able to enjoy good music the way it was meant
to be heard. Mr. Barnes is really quite humble when he says his
products sound 'great'. He's building a very reputable company
who's products I shall continue to enjoy for a long time.
Thank you Mr. Barnes!
Vince
