[sruffle]

Hello all.  I am a newbie here. I am looking for an amp upgrade over my current Acurus A250 used to drive Fritz Rev 7 speakers (89db, 4 ohm). Preamp is an Acurus RL11.   Ideally, I would gain some detail while obtaining some of the typical benefits characterized by tubes.  I really like the concept of the hybrid amps since they run cooler than tubes and require less maintenance.  Down the road, I would consider a tube or SS preamp to mate with the power amp.

The Fetvalve 400 and 600 sound like very interesting options.  Has anyone heard them in comparison to the Rogue Hydra or Medusa?  I am not trying to start a thread arguing that the sound of one is better than the other but am curious to know if there are any different differences in the sound characteristics of each.  Any comments are appreciated.  Thanks.

[avahifi]

There are MANY AC member reviews of our Fet Valve 400R and 600R right here in AC.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=100776.0

Note that the prices are now $300 less if the amps are ordered with the standard black faceplate.

Frank Van Alstine

[sruffle]

Thanks.  I will start going through some of the comments in that thread.  The last thing I want to do is come on here and start a rogue versus AVA type thread.  I am sure both would be great options.

[Minn Mark]

sruffle,
Not sure what the policy on purchases from Rogue or dealers are, but dont overlook the 30 day trial available with AVA purchases. Any listening is therefore effectvely free for the first month.  I own AVA SS equipment, but from what I've read about the hybrids, Frank and crew have done amazing designs to keep the tubes operating efficiently (so, long tube life and no surprises). There are many here who can comment on tube rolling, but what I always remember are comments that these amps (my SS, too) have great depth and accurate weight in the bass. If you want neutral and IMO accurate equipment, give AVA a serious listen. Also, if you have any interest in LPs, you should audition Frank's new Vision phono stage. Available as either MM or MC (I have the MM version) it pairs well with my system (VPI/AVA/ Magnapan) and is crazy good for the money.


Happy listening,

Mark- a satisfied AVA owner.

Happy New Year !

[JerryM]

sruffle,

I don't have Frank's latest hybrid; I have a Fet Valve Ultra 550 with some fine Telefunken ECC801S valves driven by an AVA T8 pre with Mazda 6cg7's.

I have played all manner of Fritz's speakers here, for thousands of hours, including the Rev-7s. (A mighty fine and under rated speaker, indeed.)  Anyway, Fritz Speakers and AVA have a rare and effortless synergy that fills the room with beautiful music.

Ask Fritz. 

Given your speakers, I'd try AVA.

Have fun,

Jerry

[ricardojoa]

One thing to consider is the input sensitivity and how that matches with you preamp output voltage. Also depeding on your preamp, a higher input impedance is preferable for tube pres with high output impedance.

[sruffle]

Thanks for the comments.  That is very interesting to hear about past experiences driving Fritz speakers and is very encouaraging.  I love the Rev 7 speakers and plan to have them in my system for a long time.  The Fetvalve 400 sounds like a great match.

[avahifi]

Fet Valve amps have pure resistive one meg ohm input impedance (triode vacuum tube input) and voltage gain of 26, easy load for any preamp to drive, tube or solid state. 600R swings plus and minus 70V into 8 ohms.  400R swings 60V into 8 ohms.  Power essentially doubles into 4 ohms and safe into 2 ohms up to maximum speaker fuse limits (6 amp quick blow).

Frank

PS: All AVA amps get free chassis cryogenic treatment right now, store room hitting -28 degrees F tonight!