Did I miss the upgrade price for the Ultra?

tonyptony · « **on:** 21 Jan 2006, 02:59 am »

Frank, did you post yet what the expected upgrade price would be for the FetValves to an Ultra? I have a chance to purchase a FetValve 550exr Rev 5 and was wondering how much it would cost to go to an Ultra?

Also, would the new faceplate be available for the older chassis? Sorry if you answered these already?

avahifi · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 02:34 pm »

Fet Valve amplifier upgrade prices.

Fet Valve 350EXR or 550EXR to Fet Valve Ultra: $399

Fet Valve 350EX or 550EX to Fet Valve Ultra: $599

Fet Valve 350hc or 550hc to Fet Valve Ultra: $899

All other older series Fet Valve amps to Fet Valve Ultra: $1499

Frank Van Alstine

marvda1 · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 02:40 pm »

what are the differences between the exr and ultra versions ? i can't find the ultra info on the web site. is this ultra the same as the ultra bridge phase inverter?
marvin

avahifi · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 02:59 pm »

Ultra is the most recent version, we have not had time to upgrade the web yet due to my recent bout with leg surgery and lots of down time since then.

The Ultra series includes the 350 and 550 hybrid amplfiers, the Ultra SL and EC premps, the Ultra DAC, and the Ultra phase inverter.

Frank Van Alstine

marvda1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 03:13 pm »

what are the retail prices of the 350 ultra and 550 ultra ?

tonyptony · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 03:54 pm »

Thanks Frank!

avahifi · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Jan 2006, 08:06 pm »

Prices of the Ultra 350 and 550 have not changed from the previous verions, even with the circuit and cosmetic improvements.

Fet Valve Ultra 350 amplifier is $1849

Fet Valve Ultra 550 amplifier is $2199

Note that if you purchase the "little" one and wish you had gone for the bigger 550 model, you can, within a reasonable amount of time, send it (the new 350) back to be converted to a 550 for just the difference in price, plus $38 shipping of course.

Frank Van Alstine

tonyptony · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 03:21 am »

Well Frank, I've pretty much committed myself to the 550exr that I've had an opportunity to consider. I'm going to have the seller send it directly to you first; I'll send you a PM or give you a call so we can work out those details.

Now about the Ultra upgrade. As you know from those previous PMs I am interested in this, but since this is your most recent innovation I don't know of anyone but yourself who can give us a sense of how it sounds relative to an exr. So I'll ask here for those of us who are all interested: what can you tell us about how a 550 Ultra sounds compared to the exr?

avahifi · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Jan 2006, 04:06 pm »

The Fet Valve Ultra series, besides new black/gold faceplates (which makes them sound a lot better of course

) involves a nice rethinking of the biasing of the vacuum tubes, along with other changes that make the internal protection cirucits work better and eliminating any possibility of them interfering with a normal music signal.

Wait until you see the reviews coming on the Ultra SL preamp, the Ultra DAC, and the Fet Valve Ultra 550 amplifier coming very soon in a major audiophile magazine.

Frank Van Alstine

ricmon · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Jan 2006, 08:43 pm »

Congrads on getting reviewed. We all know how good the AVA stuff is and now others will know and not look at me funny when I say " I have VanAlstine equipment". Again congrads and don't keep us in suspence. What mag and when?

avahifi · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Jan 2006, 09:34 pm »

Can't telll you what mag until it is published, but when should be pretty soon, probably no more than an issue or two out.

Frank Van Alstine

mca · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Apr 2006, 12:04 am »

Quote

Can't telll you what mag until it is published, but when should be pretty soon, probably no more than an issue or two out.

Are those reviews nearing release?

avahifi · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Apr 2006, 12:25 am »

Next issue.

Frank