[ricardojoa]

I wanted to know how different they sound. Im just not sure to go with tube or SS. Heard the reviews that ssis the synergy sounds more like tube amps so im kinda confused.
Neither have alot of wattage but i dont listen to extreme loudness.
Speaker sensitivity presumely 84.5 db, would it be wrong to go with the ultra?
Any input would be appreciated.

[rollo]

   Depends on your speaker design and personal taste. I would just ask AVA what to use with your particular speaker. for the most part AVa designs are neutral in character.


charles

[Lefty052347]

I own a Synergy 300 and an Ultravalve.  I run the Ultravalve on 90 db efficient 8 ohm speakers with wonderful results.  However, I prefer my Synergy 300 on my 85 db 4 ohm set up.  I would recommend the Synergy series for your 84.5 db speakers.  Unless you want the small chassis version, I would go with the 300.

Regards,

Dean

[ricardojoa]

I own a Synergy 300 and an Ultravalve.  I run the Ultravalve on 90 db efficient 8 ohm speakers with wonderful results.  However, I prefer my Synergy 300 on my 85 db 4 ohm set up.  I would recommend the Synergy series for your 84.5 db speakers.  Unless you want the small chassis version, I would go with the 300.

Regards,

Dean

Thanks for the recommendation. Have you noticed a different in sound between the 300 and the ultra with the same speaker?

[avahifi]

The Ultravalve is not a good choice for 85 dB efficient speakers.  These need at least 100W/Ch to provide good dynamic range and output levels.

The Ultravalve is great sounding, smooth, detailed, pure, and with a killer midrange, but we want a minimum of 88 dB sensitivity for the amp to provide excellent results with your speakers.

Interestingly enough, the Synergy amplifiers sound very much like the Ultravalve, except with far more power and lower cost. This design came out far better than we would have expected for a solid state amplifier.

One short term bummer here.  The company that made the toroid power transformers for the Synergy 300 and 450 amplifiers just told us they had a big warehouse fire and it won't be until May before they can supply us more transformers.  We immediately ordered from a trustworthy alternate source, but we won't be able to ship S450 amplifiers and only two more S300 amplifiers until the middle of March as even the new transformer order has at least a 30 day lead time.

Frank Van Alstine

[Lefty052347]

I really haven't done any long term comparisons with the same speakers.  If I had to choose one, I would choose the Ultravalve with the knowledge that there would be times I would be stressing the amp with 85 db 4 ohm setup.

At the 2012 RMAF we were switching between a Synergy 450 and an Ultravalve.  We were able to match levels with our switch box.  I thought there was very little difference.  I thought the Ultravalve was a little softer.  Both speakers had Raal tweeters.

However, my recommendation stands.  When amps are this good, personal taste and system synergy become paramount.  Also, the Ultravalve takes maintenance.  Monthy bias checks and periodic tube replacement are required.  Whereas, the Synergy amps are plug it in and forget about it.

Regards,

Dean

[ricardojoa]

Thank you for the advices.
What is the advantage of the larger chassis? Im guessing that the larger chassis runs cooller with the heat sink on the back, but what does this translate for a speaker of 8ohm that dont easy load?
I like the smaller and ligter version of the s240 due to the fact that i have to ship theses overseas and it is going to cost every pounds it adds.
In addition,  can the face plate be ordered with a different color(aluminum)?

Thank you

[Lefty052347]

You wrote that your speakers are 84.5 db.  Do you know their nominal and/or minimum impedance? 

Our silver face plate is available for the large chassis only.  Cost would be $300.

Regards,
Dean

[ricardojoa]

You wrote that your speakers are 84.5 db.  Do you know their nominal and/or minimum impedance? 

Our silver face plate is available for the large chassis only.  Cost would be $300.

Regards,
Dean

The impedance nominal is 5 and dig down to 4. It will be selah tempesta.

[simon wagstaff]

I use my U70 with Paragon Volent CL2 speakers. they are not that efficient. However, I cross them over at 90 hz to a pair of subs so the U70 is not driving the bass. Sound is VERY good and I am not lacking for volume.

[Lefty052347]

I discussed the issue with Frank and we agree that the low efficiency and low impedance design of your speakers precludes the small chassis 240.  The Synergy 300 has twice the ourput devices and twice the heatsink of the large chassis 240 and is still my recommendation.  If you go with the 240 please order the double die option.

Regards,

Dean