[vdejulio]

Hello everyone,
First time post long time reader!  Trying to get info on Aspen's retail amps.  I have tried to email Hugh but I don't think I'm using the right address.   Does someone have the correct address? My second question is in regards to his retail amps.  Currently what does he offer and @ what price in US dollars?   Really interested because I don't have the know how on how to build one!

Thanks,
Vince

[AKSA]

Hi Vince,

Thank you for your post, I am sorry about the contact details!

The retail amps are slowly coming.  The fully built unit, the Soraya power amp, is 200W into 4R, and will sell for $US4200 plus shipping.  This is not cheap, but man, does it perform, and you could drive a Hummer over it, it's so strongly made.  It weighs more than 33 lbs and will drive any electrostatic speaker without raising a sweat.

The new email is aspen1 -at- people.net.au, I look forward to your email!

Cheers,

Hugh

[vdejulio]

Hi Vince,

Thank you for your post, I am sorry about the contact details!

The retail amps are slowly coming.  The fully built unit, the Soraya power amp, is 200W into 4R, and will sell for $US4200 plus shipping.  This is not cheap, but man, does it perform, and you could drive a Hummer over it, it's so strongly made.  It weighs more than 33 lbs and will drive any electrostatic speaker without raising a sweat.

The new email is aspen1 -at- people.net.au, I look forward to your email!

Cheers,

Hugh

Thanks for your reply!  Plan on having thing more affordable like a 100watt version?

[vdejulio]

Hugh,

Thanks for your reply!  Do you plan on having anything more affordable?  Maybe your 100 watt version or 55 watt?

Vince

[AKSA]

Vince,

I will build only the Soraya power amp for retail sale.  This is 100W/8R, and 200W/4R.  Lifeforce power modules, one step down but same power and a smaller, of 55W/8R, are available at lower price (see Pricelist on the website), but you need transformers and cases, and you need to do the necessary metal work, which is an inconvenience to many.

It is very difficult for me to convey how good the amp is without listening tests, available specs, etc.  I am primarily a nerd, not much of a businessman, but I can't survive on $5 an hour, and since Oz is even more expensive to live than US, the higher price is the predictable result.

While I can understand potential buyers balking at the price, I have to point out that this amp performs like no other and drives just about anything with aplomb.  This is all very subjective, and difficult to quantify of course.  I cannot compete in the cheaper end of the market for simple economic reasons, but consider that this new amp uses circuitry which is unique and which has taken years to evolve.  The amp will compete with just about anything out there, including the really expensive high end amps, you know the names!

When I sold kits, I was at first cheap.  Time spent in service was, as you would realise, unbillable.  As time went by, my account slowly depleted, so I raised my prices, always the way.  Now in late middle age I know I have something incredible to sell, and my products, even the most expensive, are still half the price of some ridiculous cables I have seen.

It's a strange world, and be assured I would love to welcome you to the Aspen family, but it ain't cheap, although it's still inexpensive!!

Cheers,

Hugh

[vdejulio]

Hugh,

I fully understand.  Thank you very much for explaining.  I'm going to think about building my own, just don't have the money right now to purchase a fully assembled unit.  Hopefully with the help of the members on the circle I can build one or maybe find someone to build it for me aa For decent price of coarse!

Vince

[AKSA]

Good luck Vince,

Thanks for your reply, and if you need help I'm happy to assist any way I can!

Cheers,

Hugh