[I.Greyhound Fan]

I picked up the 2 amps and the digital preamp.  I will plug them in on Monday and Tuesday.  A full review will be forth coming in about 10-14 days or so.  I will provide up dates.

Larry

[TomBo]

Larry can't wait! And thank you mannishjoy for your updates...Larry if the amps are more transparent, try moving your speakers closer to the wall behind them ...that very simple tweak might solve for a perception that bass may be lighter than say the SET amps...I still do this today with my SET-up...moving speaker positions to alter frequency, soundstage, toe in etc ...best "tone control" and soundstage modifier that I know of
Thanks again, Tom

I picked up the 2 amps and the digital preamp.  I will plug them in on Monday and Tuesday.  A full review will be forth coming in about 10-14 days or so.  I will provide up dates.

Larry

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Larry can't wait! And thank you mannishjoy for your updates...Larry if the amps are more transparent, try moving your speakers closer to the wall behind them ...that very simple tweak might solve for a perception that bass may be lighter than say the SET amps...I still do this today with my SET-up...moving speaker positions to alter frequency, soundstage, toe in etc ...best "tone control" and soundstage modifier that I know of
Thanks again, Tom

Hi, I have my Maggies at the best position for sound stage and depth (after messing around with positioning for days).  The PSB Synchrony Ones also need to be at minimum 2.5 feet from the wall as they are rear ported and bass can be a little much if closer.  The PSB's put out a lot of bass.  I will try moving things around with them and the Monitor Audio RX1 Silver book shelfs. 

[AllanS]

I picked up the 2 amps and the digital preamp.  I will plug them in on Monday and Tuesday.  A full review will be forth coming in about 10-14 days or so.  I will provide up dates.

Larry

I don't know if it's true, but I read someone's comment somewhere recently that the DVA Digital Preamp is a digital volume control (maybe an oversimplification error on my part) mated to the MK5 DAC.  Poking around I came across this MK5 review you'd posted about 7 years ago.  If there's any truth to the comment, it'll be interesting to know how the DVA Digital compares to your impressions of the MK5. 
Thanks much for taking it on!
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=149777.0

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I don't know if it's true, but I read someone's comment somewhere recently that the DVA Digital Preamp is a digital volume control (maybe an oversimplification error on my part) mated to the MK5 DAC.  Poking around I came across this MK5 review you'd posted about 7 years ago.  If there's any truth to the comment, it'll be interesting to know how the DVA Digital compares to your impressions of the MK5. 
Thanks much for taking it on!
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=149777.0

It was my understanding that the DAC in the preamp is new.  I will check with AVA when I return the gear in a couple of weeks.  The MK5 DAC was very good and did some things better than my Luxman DA-06.  I found the MK5 to sound similar to a Yggy DAC that I had in my system for a night.  I loved the Yggy by the way.

[avahifi_lj]

Hello,

Here is the description of the Digital Preamp from our Web site:

So, if it's a DAC, why is it called a "digital preamplifier"? The DVA Digital Preamplifier is a DAC with a variable output level. This means it can be connected directly to a power amp for music lovers listening to digital sources — essentially taking the place of a conventional analog preamplifier. For those using a conventional analog preamplifier, fear not — it makes for one hell of a conventional DAC as well.

The DAC MK5 is the basis of the Digital Preamp, but with many enhancements.

Larry

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Hello,

Here is the description of the Digital Preamp from our Web site:

So, if it's a DAC, why is it called a "digital preamplifier"? The DVA Digital Preamplifier is a DAC with a variable output level. This means it can be connected directly to a power amp for music lovers listening to digital sources — essentially taking the place of a conventional analog preamplifier. For those using a conventional analog preamplifier, fear not — it makes for one hell of a conventional DAC as well.

The DAC MK5 is the basis of the Digital Preamp, but with many enhancements.

Larry

Thanks for info Larry.  I may have to compare it to my Luxman if I have time.

[jandrews]

Can anyone elucidate how the variable output of the digital preamplifier is implemented ?
Is it digital volume control or in the analog domain?

[avahifi_lj]

Hi,

The variable output (volume control) of the DVA Digital Preamplifier is done in the digital domain.

Larry

[Crummwoody]

New to AVA gear- getting an NP1.  Where does the company stand regarding burn in/break in?  If burn in is recommended, how many hours are suggested?  Thanks!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

New to AVA gear- getting an NP1.  Where does the company stand regarding burn in/break in?  If burn in is recommended, how many hours are suggested?  Thanks!

Frank would always say that his gear does not need burn in but others found that his gear does need some burn in.  I noticed a difference in about 50 hours with some of his older gear but tubes were involved.

[peter4jc]

New to AVA gear- getting an NP1.  Where does the company stand regarding burn in/break in?  If burn in is recommended, how many hours are suggested?  Thanks!

My DVA M225's and Vision SLR preamp needed no burn-in.  My ears may have needed some re-adjustment as they were in shock at how good the AVA pieces were, but the amps/preamp were good to go, and I didn't perceive any benefit from more hours of use.

[mannishjoy]

I guess I'm not done AB-ing the CA-1, as I just picked up a nearly same-priced, and very lauded all Class-A piece, the Musical Fidelity A1. Cold, out of the box impression is Wow, the CA-1 might actually have a worthy price point alternative!... we'll see...More to come after several days

[jandrews]

Just purchased an NP1
Hope to receive it next week.
Not sure yet what route I'll take on a preamp. 
I think the AVA Digi Pre could be a natural pairing.  I have an RB10 mated to a SET120.  Thinking it could be nice to find a 6sn7 preamp also.

[AllanS]

Just purchased an NP1
Hope to receive it next week.
Not sure yet what route I'll take on a preamp. 
I think the AVA Digi Pre could be a natural pairing.  I have an RB10 mated to a SET120.  Thinking it could be nice to find a 6sn7 preamp also.

My mind changes with the wind but lately I’m leaning the same direction.
6SN7 like a Schiit Freya+?

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I will be putting the CA1, NP1 and digital preamp in my system this weekend.  I will try to post reviews on Monday but it could take until next Friday.

[jandrews]

@AllenS
Was looking at the new LTA Vero
Or perhaps the Atma-Sphere UV-1

[js1955]

@AllenS
Was looking at the new LTA Vero
Or perhaps the Atma-Sphere UV-1

For 6sn7 you might also wanna consider the very well-regarded DeHavilland UltraVerve.  1100 to 1500 in the used markets.

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm

[mannishjoy]

Well, I never said I wasn't a nutty Audiophile. After three months with the CA-1, I'm just greedy for the best of Van Alstine, so I acquired the DVA M225s for a second time. My CA-1 will be on USAudiomart shortly for $1400 shipped. If you email at matt.p.joy@gmail.com and mention you know me from Audiomart, you can have it delivered for $1300. Thx, Matt

[jandrews]

So far pretty floored by this NP1 amp
Currently and temporarily using a Belles Aria preamp and the NP1 is powering Falcon LS5/3A’s.
The sound is different from my SET120…which feels more forward , immediate and electrical.  This amp feels more controlled and refined.  It’s very detailed but also the highs are just slightly recessed which makes for a very impressive presentation.  I need to spend more time with it and use other speakers besides my LS3/5A’s since they are so specific.  Can’t wait to try with my Fritz monitors.  The bass is incredible with this combo however … maybe it’s room gain or the amp but these speakers bottom out at 78hz or something like that and I’m not wanting any more bass.   I spent a few hours listening last night and kept playing albums.  So far music is appearing very real and textured with a lovely depth to certain instruments .  Vocals and strings are sounding lifelike and multidimensional.  I think some of that is the LS3/5A’s.



I’m considering trying my Decware z-box with the NP1 as a single source pre.  It’s a tube buffer with a published output impedance of “<1k Ohm”. I’ve read that it’s actually 300 Ohms.  The NP1 needs greater than 1kOhm.  Any thoughts if this would be cutting it too close ?