[NoRust]

I have run across a few recent favorable reviews and forum posts re Van Alstine amps but the majority were referencing the mono blocks, the 400 or the Vision Set 120.  Was hoping to hear on this circle from a few of you that have the DVA Set 500.  I did run across past info on the 400 and it appears in searching this site that the 500 was announced in November of 2022.
 
I am in the market for a SS amp that seems to fit the specs for the DVA Set 500.  I am most interested in opinions as how this would pair with my Modwright LS100.  Currently I have a First Watt F8 ( which I will be keeping ) and speakers are Zu DW 6 Supremes.  Looking to move to a other speakers and don't want to limit myself with just listening to and choosing from high sensitivity speakers - leading candidate now is QLN Prestige 3 and on paper these would appear to be nicely driven by the DVA Set 500. I also would wager that the 500 would pair nicely with the Zu's. 

Net is any thoughts on those using the DVA Set 500, matching with the Modwright LS100, etc.  Many thanks in advance!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I did reviews for the original SET amps.  I have not heard the SET 500 but it should have the same sonic signature as the other SET amps which is that they lean just a hint to the warmer side and have a lush midrange.  I can't say how it will match with your Modwright but Frank has a 30 return policy.  Give him a call and ask him how the 500 compares to the SET 400 and 120 amps.  Frank makes great gear.

[JackD]

I've owned an LS-100 in the past and still own a SET 400 and I don't think you would have any issue with the Modwright and the SET 500 together especially since you can fine tune the sound of the LS-100 with tube swaps.  Larry's description of the the SET amp sound is pretty spot on and would hope that sound continued to the 500.

[NoRust]

Larry & Jack - thanks for the prompt replies.  I appreciate the thoughtful and concise wording re the tonal qualities plus feedback on potential match of the SET 500 from a former Modwright LS-100 user is very helpful.  Hopefully a few of those using the SET 500 will jump in with their feedback.  In the meantime I will give Frank a call to get his insight. 

[morganc]

I can tell you with great confidence that the match with your Zu speakers would be great.  I have the AVA 225 monoblocks which should have the same sound signature as the 500.  I have had them  paired them with a 6SN7 preamp and it’s a great match.  I have also owned many pair of Zu Speakers including the Definitions and the Druid V’s and I believe it would be a great match.  Please let us know your experience with these……
PS AVa gives you a 30 day trial period so you have nothing to lose. 

[AVASupport]

I have run across a few recent favorable reviews and forum posts re Van Alstine amps but the majority were referencing the mono blocks, the 400 or the Vision Set 120.  Was hoping to hear on this circle from a few of you that have the DVA Set 500.  I did run across past info on the 400 and it appears in searching this site that the 500 was announced in November of 2022.
 
I am in the market for a SS amp that seems to fit the specs for the DVA Set 500.  I am most interested in opinions as how this would pair with my Modwright LS100.  Currently I have a First Watt F8 ( which I will be keeping ) and speakers are Zu DW 6 Supremes.  Looking to move to a other speakers and don't want to limit myself with just listening to and choosing from high sensitivity speakers - leading candidate now is QLN Prestige 3 and on paper these would appear to be nicely driven by the DVA Set 500. I also would wager that the 500 would pair nicely with the Zu's. 

Net is any thoughts on those using the DVA Set 500, matching with the Modwright LS100, etc.  Many thanks in advance!

Good Morning NoRust,

Based on your current speaker as well as the speaker you are looking at, (OLN Prestige 3), I have different reccomendations. For your current Zu speakers, the NP1 amplifier would be a win. The speakers are so efficient you don't need a lot of power and the NP1 will make your speakers sound better than you have heard them before. For the speakers you are thinking of buying, you will get far better sound from the M225 amplifiers vs the SET 500. The best sounding amplifiers we have are the M225 mono amps and the NP1. They are both very magical!

Mary

[avahifi]

Our M225 mono amps are a better choice  then the SET 500 because our balanced differential M225 amp are simply better overall as reported in many reviews.

With reasonably efficient speakers, l also recommend trying the lower cost NP1 amplifier first because their new and unusual technology provides unmatched transparency and resolution.

See the report by Mannishjoy posted herein a few hours ago in the NP1 and CA1 thread.

Frank

[NoRust]

Its reassuring to obtain timely and well thought out feedback re my questions on this Circle.  Mary, I do appreciate your comments on both my present and potentially new set of speakers.  Frank, I just now read the recent thread you suggested and it was resonant based on the Zu speakers and the posters overall observations.  I will follow up with a quick call to the Van Alstine World HQ in the infamous town of Redrock ..... I mean Woodbury MN   

[morganc]

Our M225 mono amps are a better choice  then the SET 500 because our balanced differential M225 amp are simply better overall as reported in many reviews.

With reasonably efficient speakers, l also recommend trying the lower cost NP1 amplifier first because their new and unusual technology provides unmatched transparency and resolution.

See the report by Mannishjoy posted herein a few hours ago in the NP1 and CA1 thread.

Frank

It’s so refreshing to have such an honest and genuine manufacturer in the audio world.   Can’t tell you how many manufacturers can’t answer a simple question like this. 

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I reviewed the SET amps and the 225 mono's.  Both are excellent.  The mono's seemed to be a little more dynamic in the bass and there was excellent resolution and detail.  However, I loved the slightly fuller midrange of the SET amps.  My tastes lean to a slightly warmer sound with a smooth and airy top end and more of a romantic fuller midrange without being too forward.

You can't go wrong with either.  Just remember that 225's use only XLR inputs.  So you will need to buy the AVA converter if your preamp is only single ended.

It looks like that Modwright preamp has XLR outs but they are wired up as single ended.  I would ask Frank if you can use those single ended XLR outs to the 225 or would you need the converter.

[morganc]

Excellent point.  I do have a mine used Converter that I no longer am using if it's needed send me a DM.