[I.Greyhound Fan]

Well, I am listening to the NP1 right now and a BIG WOW!  This is just my initial impressions as I need more time with it.

I have it hooked up to my BAT VK51se tube preamp and my Luxman DA-06 DAC.  Speakers are my Magnepan 1.6's with the dual subs turned off.  I am using a custom computer that I built as a music server with a JCat USB card and an external linear power supply along with a Wire World Platinum USB cable.  The music player is HQ Player.   Interconnects are mostly Belden 8402.

My initial impressions are this is something special at its price point and above.  It is clean and detailed with a wide and deep sound stage.  Bass is nice and tight.  Textures are fabulous, maybe better than my Pass X250.  The sound is just a smidge forward compared to my Pass. Detail may be a little better with the Pass.  The sound stage depth is not as good as my Pass though and the Pass has a slightly fuller sound while still being transparent (Don't take this as the sound stage depth of the NP1 as not being good. It is good but not as deep as the Pass).  Speaking of transparency, the NP1 is actually slightly more transparent than my Pass.  But again, the Pass has a bit more depth.  Treble is very good and non fatiguing.  There is good spacing among instruments which goes along with the wide soundstage.  The only congestion that I hear on complex passages are just on poor recordings. 

Well that's if for now.  I have more listening to do and I will be reviewing the CA1 and the digital preamp//DAC.  So a lot more to come.

Questions are always welcome.

Larry

[mr_bill]

Thank you Larry - looking forward to your updates!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Well, the review for the CA1 may or may not happen.  The review sample is not working. If I can get another one or have this one repaired I will review it.

Here are my thoughts on the NP1 after doing some more listening.

It is a great amp and well worth the money.  At 55 wpc at 8 ohms and 85 wpc at 4 ohms it had no problem driving my Magnepan 1.6's to very loud levels without clipping.  My ears are better today and in comparing the NP1 to my Pass X250, the X250 wins hands down.
 
However, the NP1 has good clarity, detail and resolution.  Bass is tight and controlled and there is enough there.  Treble is very smooth and non fatiguing and it is just a smidge forward as are vocals. Treble is a little better than my Pass. I would say that the sound stage is maybe 3 rows up from the middle row if you were at an intimate concert.  So it is not in your face. The sound stage is wide and it has good depth to it.  No thin sound.  My Pass has a huge edge here but it should considering the price difference of about $7000.  It has good musicality but my Pass has the edge.  At 500wpc the Pass is more dynamic. As far as texture goes, the NP1 has it in spades and it may be just a little better than the Pass.  I also need to comment on the general tone of the amp.  In my system it is very neutral sounding.  There is a little hint of bloom which I like but that may be due to my DAC and preamp.  I prefer a sound with some warmth and bloom.

Overall, this is a great amp and performs way above its price point.  Put this in a fancy chassis and you could sell it for $3K to $4K easily.  I like this amp so much that when I down size my system in a few years, I just may buy one.

The NP1 held its own in my system and it was not embarrassed by the X250.

Now go out and buy one

[AllanS]

Many thanks Larry!

[TomBo]

Larry, very cool! Thank you for putting this amazing review together. Does this amplifier design favor a mild burn-in? Burn it in for a few days.  Did you get a chance to try the DVA Digital Preamp/NP1 combo?
Thanks again,
Tom

[SixCats!]

Hello I. Greyhound Fan,

    Quote: "Well, the review for the CA1 may or may not happen.  The review sample is not working."

Sir, could you please expand just a tad more regarding the CA1 "not working" situation ? 

I am soon to purchase of a NEW Integrated Amplifier and the CA1 is (was ?) high on my list however, I must admit,

your "not  working" comment has me seriously reconsidering my choices.  I haven't purchased a new Amp in over two decades and

I would be beyond upset if I had purchased a new Amp only to find it not working.

Thank you.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine, U.S.A.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Hello I. Greyhound Fan,

    Quote: "Well, the review for the CA1 may or may not happen.  The review sample is not working."

Sir, could you please expand just a tad more regarding the CA1 "not working" situation ? 

I am soon to purchase of a NEW Integrated Amplifier and the CA1 is (was ?) high on my list however, I must admit,

your "not  working" comment has me seriously reconsidering my choices.  I haven't purchased a new Amp in over two decades and

I would be beyond upset if I had purchased a new Amp only to find it not working.

Thank you.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine, U.S.A.

Hi Tom, the CA1 is working.  I was using input 1 which is the phono preamp.  The inputs are not labeled and I did not get a manual.
I will post a review next Friday which is my next day off.

Larry

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Larry, very cool! Thank you for putting this amazing review together. Does this amplifier design favor a mild burn-in? Burn it in for a few days.  Did you get a chance to try the DVA Digital Preamp/NP1 combo?
Thanks again,
Tom

Hi Tom, the CA1 sample is Franks personal amp.  So, it is already broken in. 

I will try to review the combo next Friday when I have off. 

Larry

[SixCats!]

Hi Larry,

   Ooh, that's good news!  I'm glad to hear it was just a connection mistake which can be all too common (ask me how I know).

I look forward to hearing your thoughts/impressions on the CA1.  I am in need of a NEW Integrated Amp (as opposed all my old/vintage SS gear I've collected over two decades).  Three of my Amps recently developed "issues" and are pretty much History.   That being said, I can't really complain as I paid next to nothing for these Amps and I have used these Amps (on and off) for decades. 

I figure it's now high time to (after twenty something years) purchase a NEW Integrated Amp. 
I am looking for a quality made/sounding-performing (NO frills) "Purist" type Amp for use with my Classic English Mission (two-way 4 Ohm) "Argonaut" Speakers (94.5 db sensitive). 

I'm thinking if the likes of my old (now failed) NAD 3140 Integrated Amp worked well (and sounded pretty darn good) on the "Argonaut" Speakers, I'm hoping a NEW quality "Purist" Amp will leave me speechless! 

I don't listen too loudly (modest volumes for the most part).  I mostly listen to Classic Jazz.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Tomcat, if the CA1 is anything like the NP1 then you will have another integrated that will last 20 or more years.  There is no BS in my reviews.  Most people have found them spot on but we all have different ears, tastes, speakers and rooms so as usual, YMMV.

The NP1 and I suspect the CA1 would be perfect for classical jazz.  I have eclectic tastes in music and I also listen to classic jazz.

By the way, I get no compensation or discounts on AVA gear (Wish I did, lol) I do it for fun. 

I hope people find my reviews simple with no read between the lines stuff.  I try to post on things like overall tone, texture, bass, treble, clarity, detail, resolution, air, transparency, sound stage and dynamics.  These are the terms that I find useful when I was researching and buying gear. I wish pro reviewers would do away with some of their descriptive adjectives and just get to the point.

[SixCats!]

Hi Larry,

   Awesome!  I am very much looking forward to your review.  Thanks.

SixCats! aka Tom in Maine

[AllanS]

I hope people find my reviews simple with no read between the lines stuff. I try to post on things like overall tone, texture, bass, treble, clarity, detail, resolution, air, transparency, sound stage and dynamics.  These are the terms that I find useful when I was researching and buying gear. I wish pro reviewers would do away with some of their descriptive adjectives and just get to the point.

I definitely find your reviews very helpful.  You don’t write like someone who gets paid by the word.  You go straight to the relevant points without fluff and filler.
Thank you!

Edit:  To hopefully clarify that I understand your reviews are uncompensated.

[charmerci]

Six cats,

I've been dealing with Frank since the 80's. I've even done a road trip to stop by and see him. I've had many of his components over the years and his mission is to produce great sounding gear at reasonable cost. His stuff is generally reliable as a tank. I have done a couple things which had caused problems - never directly from him and he definitely stands behind his products. I highly recommend AVA.

[ArthurDent]

Well stated Larry, as always. Looking forward to the remaining reviews. Thanks,
JD

[Jeff_From_Michigan]

"I wish pro reviewers would do away with some of their descriptive adjectives and just get to the point."

Couldn't have said it better, Greyhound!  I was just reading another sappy review this morning and that exact sentiment came to mind.  I don't want reviews of sound that include first loves, sandy beaches and vintage liquors. I want reviews of - wait for it..... - SOUND!

[Crummwoody]

Nice to see review(s) of the NP1.

I received my NP1 yesterday and am "warming it up" for a couple of days.

Upstream is an NAD C658 Preamp, Gustard R26 Dac and iFi Zen Streamer.  Speakers are GoldenEar Triton One.  Primarily streaming Qobuz and local files via Roon.

I use Dirac Live Room Correction Software- wouldn't be without it!  I have not run the Dirac for the NP1 as yet- will do later this week- then some serious listening.  Fun stuff!

[TomBo]

Larry,
Thank you very much for the play by play. CA1 as a stand alone solution and the NP1/DVA Digital Preamplifier are two very interesting combinations...Can audio bliss be had at a reasonable price for the rest of us?
Thanks again,
Tom

[mr_bill]

Hi Larry, just checking to see if you've had time to review the AVA CA-1,

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Hi Larry, just checking to see if you've had time to review the AVA CA-1,

It won't be until Sunday.  My wifes mother passed away at 98 so I have not had time.

[mr_bill]

Condolences