Anybody tried a SMART Devices 2X150VT Hybrid Amplifier?

warnerwh · « **on:** 11 Apr 2006, 06:03 am »

Just wondering if anybody has tried this hybrid amplifier. It appears it's made here and the states and is competitively priced. New ones can be had for 1575 on Audiogon. For 150wpc in a hybrid made in the U.S.A. that seems quite reasonable.

This amp also got good reviews from our two main audio mags. The problem with that is sometimes they tell the truth and sometimes they don't.

Thanks for any info on this or other hybrid amps.

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Apr 2006, 12:32 pm »

I've had the 2X150VT for about a month now, and I'm loving it. Driving Magnepan 1.6. Quite a powerhouse too. It replaced a Jolida SJ 801 integrated. Before that, Krell, Classe.

The Smart is the best for me so far-not cool and bright, not too warm and fuzzy either. It ain't the perfect solution under $2500 I'm sure, but I think it has a great sound with my tube preamp, and the price was right, if not a downright bargain.

A couple of nitpicks- the power switch is cheap feeling, and has a too bright orange light, also the speaker binding posts could be better, and spaced further apart.

JohnR · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Apr 2006, 02:07 am »

Warner's missing thread. It wasn't showing up in the circle index, maybe this bump will fix it...

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Apr 2006, 04:14 am »

Thanks John!