REVIEW Van Alstine SET 120 Control Amplifier | Part-Time Audiophile

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artofaudio

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 107
I got my SET 120 control amp up and running today. My first time hearing it. I’m very impressed. I expected it to sound good, but it never got hot after hours of playing. Also, it’s dead quiet!

!

Nick B

  • Full Member
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Oh yeah, it’s a very good sounding amp and great value for the money 👍

avahifi

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    • http://www.avahifi.com
Check out AVA review at HiFi-reviews.com

NIGHTFALL1970

It sounds even better than my AVA DVA4/2 amp at 750 watts. It’s clearer and sounds better and it drives my Magnepan 1.7s.

avahifi

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    • http://www.avahifi.com
Positive-Feedback.com M750 amplifier review
« Reply #24 on: 27 Jan 2024, 05:25 pm »
Check this long detailed review out.

jandrews

I don’t think you linked to the review

sean619

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 113
Surprised to see this model discontinued. Part-Time Audiophile liked this model better than Pass Labs XA60.8 mono-blocks that are like 15k. What more could you ask for?

gene9p

  • Full Member
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unfortunately models do get discontinued but are usually replaced by a new quality product. VA continues to improve it's line of products but that doesn't the diminish the performance of past models. You might just find a nice price on a resale of the 120 by someone online. I enjoy buying gear second hand as you can get a great piece of equipment at a big discount.

I.Greyhound Fan

The NP1 sounds better than that amp.  I reviewed both.  They sound different.  The NP1 has more air transparency and is smoother with a little more detail.

The SET 120 has a beautiful midrange though.  I am talking about just the amp.  I will be reviewing the CA1 which is the integrated amp version of the NP1.

sean619

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 113
thanks for the comparison. The warm rich full midrange is what I chase. 

I.Greyhound Fan

thanks for the comparison. The warm rich full midrange is what I chase.

Me too.  I love a full rich and warmer midrange. My current gear gives me that plus air and transparency.  It is mainly my Luxman DAC that has this beautiful midrange.

jandrews

I receive my NP1 tomorrow
Looking forward to comparing it to my SET120.
I won’t be surprised if I prefer the SET120, but I’m going to (try to) keep an open mind and really listen to both pieces

veloceleste

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 434
Totem Arro is another great speaker match with the SET120 Control Amp.  What a fun, small and simple system in an appropriately sized room!