[Jon L]

I don't know what's going on here, but some people have definitely gone off the Edge with pricing.  Improper eating of poisonous blowfish, perhaps?  It's like paying $500 for ref1 and $500 for the integrated  

Too bad the ref1 is rosewood; I so love the birdseye maple and would buy the package with birdseye even though I absolutely do not need it.  

As far as the SP3, I love the fact it's using 5881 output tubes (aka 6L6).  This tube is some of the best output tubes out there, and should (in theory) provide more neutrality and resolution than the EL34 types.

One strange thing I noticed, though, is the input impedance of 250kOhms.  I've never seen such a high input impedance, as you usually see 100kOhms at most with tube amps, and usually like 25kOhms for solid state.  Anyways, even CDP's with piss-poor output stages should be able to drive it to Kingdom Come...

[Sean Parque]

I'm about set to jump on this deal. I've always wanted to try a pair of the Ref 1's, but I've also been lusting after the H34 amp. Is there any chance a combo deal will be made with it?

Sorry I missed this...yes, $1699

Sean

[OBF]

This is definitely one of the best deals out there and I'd have to order the package if the amp was not so inconvenient.  I'm wondering how many of the HT buffs (used to a full function pre/remote) are going to order these for a bedroom, family room system, etc.. and then realize what a bitch it is to be lying in bed and have to get up repeatedly to change the volume, plug in the tv, DVD player.  It's the only thing that stopped me which is too bad because I could use a 2nd system like this.  But if it fits your needs, what a steal!

[jswallac]

Can this amp act as just a power amp?  In other words, can a preamp be connected to the one set of inputs?  I know this works with the Jolida integrateds since the preamp section is passive.  That would be one way to get around the amp's limitations.

[F-100]

I'm about set to jump on this deal. I've always wanted to try a pair of the Ref 1's, but I've also been lusting after the H34 amp. Is there any chance a combo deal will be made with it?

Sorry I missed this...yes, $1699

Sean

Sean,
  Can you clarify on this deal? Is Ref1 BEM with H34 amp or Ref1 Rosewood LE with H34 for $1699?
Thanks

[Sean Parque]

Sean,
  Can you clarify on this deal? Is Ref1 BEM with H34 amp or Ref1 Rosewood LE with H34 for $1699?
Thanks[/quote]

Sorry, it's for the Rosewood Ref 1s.

Thanks,

Sean

[mlschifter]

mike,
   after reading the thread at the av123 forum, it seems that the amp offered in this combo is better than the h34.  the main drawback to the sp3 is that there's only one input... but this would be ideal to a purist.

Hi Guys...

I have made a change here... and the bypass select has become input #2, as I want to plug my phono in as well...

 

All the best...

mls

[mlschifter]

This is definitely one of the best deals out there and I'd have to order the package if the amp was not so inconvenient.  I'm wondering how many of the HT buffs (used to a full function pre/remote) are going to order these for a bedroom, family room system, etc.. and then realize what a bitch it is to be lying in bed and have to get up repeatedly to change the volume, plug in the tv, DVD player.  It's the only thing that stopped me which is too bad because I could use a 2nd system like this.  But if it fits your needs, what a steal!

You can add an input selector box... there are several good ones...

No remote though... this is a sincere "purist design" with a 24 position "precision" stepped attenuator...

All the best...

mls

[mca]

Just placed my order today with Sean, the two inputs sealed the deal for me  

[mlschifter]

Just placed my order today with Sean, the two inputs sealed the deal for me  

VERY COOL...

Thank you...

Humbly...

mls

[OBF]

No remote though... this is a sincere "purist design" with a 24 position "precision" stepped attenuator...

All the best...

mls

The amp looks fairly compact, but would it be possible to add one of the DIY aftermarket remote boards with a motor for turning the attenuator?  I'm guessing not, but thought I'd ask  

[mlschifter]

No remote though... this is a sincere "purist design" with a 24 position "precision" stepped attenuator...

All the best...

mls

The amp looks fairly compact, but would it be possible to add one of the DIY aftermarket remote boards with a motor for turning the attenuator?  I'm guessing not, but thought I'd ask  

I would have to look into this for you... Can you point me to one to try...

Thanks... and all the best...

mls

[BradJudy]

Mark, here's a link to a product like what was mentioned: http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=505

I don't know how you would retrofit a motor onto that stepped attenuator though - those as less common and require a different circuit IIRC (to more in discreet steps rather than continuously).  One could replace the stepped attenuator with a motorized pot like in the above kit.  

I don't know of a motorized stepped attenuator kit off the top of my head, although it wouldn't surprise me if someone made one.

[mlschifter]

Mark, here's a link to a product like what was mentioned: http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=505

I don't know how you would retrofit a motor onto that stepped attenuator though - those as less common and require a different circuit IIRC (to more in discreet steps rather than continuously).  One could replace the stepped attenuator with a motorized pot like in the above kit.  

I don't know of a motorized stepped attenuator kit off the top of my head, although it wouldn't surprise me if someone made one.

Great Link Brad... Thanks...

I will have to look at this closer... Perhaps you can stop by the office in a few days after the photography sample arrives and have a listen and check it out for us...

COOL...

Many thanks...

mls

[vpolineni]

I don't know of a motorized stepped attenuator kit off the top of my head, although it wouldn't surprise me if someone made one.

what about this?
http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=532

[BradJudy]

I don't know of a motorized stepped attenuator kit off the top of my head, although it wouldn't surprise me if someone made one.

what about this?
http://www.diycable.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=532

Doh!! Missed the one on the very site I was looking at.  Thanks for the catch.

Too bad the pictures are of a different product - perhaps I'll check with Kevin on that in his circle.

[BradJudy]

Great Link Brad... Thanks...

I will have to look at this closer... Perhaps you can stop by the office in a few days after the photography sample arrives and have a listen and check it out for us...

COOL...

Many thanks...

mls

Will do - I would love to hear the combo anyway.  I haven't spent much time with tubes and like to hear how it affects the sound of the Refs.

[OBF]

There's also good instructions on installing the same (I think) remote kit onto the Seiden level switches on the Bent Audio website under the NOH preamp options.  I'd post a link but it just leads to the home page index.

An in house option like this for adding a remote volume to "pure" designs without affecting the circuit might bring in a lot more potential buyers.

[BradJudy]

Thanks OBF.  Here's a link for the curious - http://www.bentaudio.com/parts/dact.html

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like it would fit with the capacitors directly behind the attenuator in the SP3:

http://img34.exs.cx/img34/898/IMG_6570a.jpg

At least not without a different mounting configuration that placed the motor beside the attenuator.  

Even if you could fit it in, you're looking at adding  at least $250 to the cost of a $1000 product.