[skidro]

I've been doing some careful listening to my new synergy 300 for about a week now and find it to be just fantastic. It replaces an omegastar 440exh which had set the bar quite high. My system consists of a theta miles used as a transport via coaxial to an emotiva xda-1 dac/pre to the synergy 300 and finally to a marvelous pair of salk ht-1 (non-tl) speakers. I first noticed a difference on stringed instruments. The initial notes seemed even more vibrant with wonderful decay. Horns also seemed more alive and musical, and more balanced with the highs. I did think that the new amp might not equal the bass from the high-powered exh, but I shouldn't have worried. I don't play music at ear shattering levels and am quite pleased that the bass is still impactful. It also seems more musical and tuneful than before (is this even possible Frank, as it does seem to be slightly so?) Overall, I would say that the amp is a bit more balanced throughout the musical spectrum with a noticeable increase in detail, seperation, accuracy and musicality. Really, REALLY pleased and a big thanks to Frank.......AWESOME!!!!!

SKIDRO

[trackball02]

SKIDRO,
Thanks for the review. I'm interested in getting one as my summer replacement for my Ultravalve to beat the tube heat. Does the Synergy 300 run fairly cool? I wonder how that compares to the operating temps with the FET Valve 400R.

[simon wagstaff]

That much heat from a U70?

I would rather sit in my undies....

 

But seriously, it is the same amount of heat as from two 35 watt light bulbs, which when you think about is perhaps significant.  perhaps.

[avahifi]

The Synergy amps do idle significantly cooler than our previous generation solid state amps.  This is because the output devices see the regulated power supply voltage, not the higher raw supply voltage.  The small signal devices also run cooler as they too operate from the regulated supply voltages, not the higher raw supply voltages.

In fact the Synergy amps run so cool that heat fins on the small signal devices are not needed.

It is one solid, stable, and musical amplifier.

Frank Van Alstine

[skidro]

Yes, after approx. 4 hours of driving the ht1's at decent listening levels the amp was quite cool. Mine is in an open sanus rack on its own shelf. once you turn it on you just want to stay and listen for a good long while!!!!! I'm enjoying it immensely 

SKIDRO

[Stercom]

Thanks for the review. Well written and to the point!