[avahifi]

Hi:

We have a very nice FetValve 500Ex in a Dyna 410 chassis that will be listed in the used section of the AVA Web site (http:www/avahifi.com).  The chassis is in nice shape with a black AVA faceplate.  Note that the chassis is the same as the OmegaStar 400 currently pictured in the used section of the Web site.  The amplifier has a one year warranty and is priced at $1195 (plus shipping).

The FetValve 500Ex is slightly lower powered than the 550Ex, has four output devices per channel, and supports a minimum load of 4 Ohm speakers.  The amplifier also has new JJ/Tesla 12AT7 tubes.

Overall it's a very good value for a FetValve amplifier.

If you are interested call Frank at 952-890-3517

Thanks

Larry Jenkins
Audio by Van Alstine

[Tyson]

This is a screaming deal, I have the 550ex and it easily competes with the top tier of amps I've heard (Parasound JC-1s, Arye V-5x, Spectron Musician II).  Being able to switch tubes to alter the "flavor" of the sonics is just icing on the cake.  As one of my friends recently observed I've had my 550ex for a whole 6 months (an unprecedented event), and I have absolutely no upgraditis.  I wish more people could hear the AVA stuff, it's pretty friggin amazing, especially when you look at the price.

[jackman]

I have to agree with Tyson.  AVA gear is for real.  The Fetvalve design is the best combination of detail without a trace of harshness that I have ever heard.  Also, for the price, I don't know of a better amp deal than the one that Frank is offering on a used Fetvalve.  Someone is about to spend the best $1,200 they (he?) ever spent!  

No other amp has ever sounded better on my system.

Jman

[dvb]

I called up this morning, chatted with Frank, and bought the darn thing.

It is not exactly a 550EX.  In addition to having the lower wattage, it also has 4 x 2 mosfets = 8, rather than the 6 x 2 = 12 of the 550 and 350.
So, not the same high current, but Frank assures me the present breed of Mosfet (was that Toshiba or Hitachi; which replaced which?), pack plenty of punch.  

I meant to ask more about the likely upgrade history of this piece -- how it got to be a 500W fet-valve before getting upgraded to ex output circuits.  

I will be driving 4 ohm speakers (PSB Stratus Silvers), which apparently cruise down to 2 ohms occasionally in the bass, but I understand this should not be a problem.  There has been no problem driving these with my Bryston B60, which expressly warns not to drive anything below 4 ohms.

The price is certainly right.  This was a great opportunity to get a fet-valve amp.  I have been reading the steady stream of accolades by Cut-Throat, Eli Duttman, and now Marc Bratton (who did I miss?) on Audio Asylum for several years now, and have long since been persuaded it is the way to go.

Pre-amp will be an FT-LW1 with DACT2 stepped attenuator for now (until the budget replenishes and the right T7 comes along?)

Cheers,

dvb

[dvb]

It was a nice surprise when the price showed up on the web site as 1,099, instead of the 1,199 indicated in this thread.

[aln]

You will be very happy with the amp!  I have the same amp-an origional FET-Valve 500 and a 300 EX (built in a dynaco 150 Chassis) that I use to bi-amp my speakers.  In a short time I will upgrade the fet-valve 500 to the EX circuit.  That's the great thing about a Van Alstine-it never becomes obsolute!  I also like the styling of the old dynaco chassis.

Regards

[dvb]

For taking the trouble to reply.  In fact, the amp arrived yesterday at noon, and I was able to spend an hour or so listening to it (and then making up for lost work by working late into the night!)

I am looking forward to listening to it a great deal more in the next few days, and then post some impressions, probably here and on Audio Asylum.

[Tyson]

I like the styling of the new AVA cases too.  After having owned "audio jewelry", I like the rugged, unassuming look of the AVA gear.

[dvb]

Well, it's big!  But it is also just a plain black box.  Who needs more?  I am glad it is not someone else's concept of a decorator statement (which almost surely would not be my wife's!).  My general view of audio stuff is that it should be heard, and not seen.  

After the svelte lines of my Bryston B60, I will have to dismantle and re-assemble my Lovan shelf to put the larger 10" shelf at the bottom for the amp.  Right now it is sitting in a middle position, right under my Wrightsound WPP100C phono stage, which is responding with a barely perceptable hum (through the air, not the speakers).

I am not saying more about sound, because I am assuming there is some breakin period -- although this is a used amp, I am assuming the new parts will benefit from some break-in period.

[TheeeChosenOne]

I like the styling of the new AVA cases too.  After having owned "audio jewelry", I like the rugged, unassuming look of the AVA gear.

Too[/b] homely looking to warrant a place on my rack.