I just completed an audition of the AMP3 and am putting my notes together for a synopsis of this. These are some of my key impressions:
One of the most even-toned amplifiers I have yet heard, and it furthers my observation that every Tripath chip has its own sonic within the Tripath signature sound, the AMP3 configuration is no different with respect to this, in fact, I find it interesting at this point just how much they all do differ and vary.
With a tube pre amp this baby really sings! I tried it with a Tone Monster, the outstanding SinglePower head amp equipped with pre-out, using Octal tubes that gave it a truly phat sound, while retaining all its characteristic Tripath ability to "unbundle" the individual instruments and place them into their respective planes of existence within the recording venue. With the Octals feeding it, the AMP3 had a serious ability to dig deep and provide a very full perspective even at very low, after midnight type volume levels, not that common a feature in amps, I have found. This particular configuration excels with a good tube pre amp, and this is my most lasting impression, and Octals do "it" in a large way. A stunning combination. Anyone with a deHavilland or Mapletree Octal tube pre would be highly impressed with this little weapon, and should absolutely make the effort to try it.
Placing the amp on a dummy load to hasten the burn in was fortunate, as I got to hear a "mature" unit, and was able to end-run the long process that has become so well known, thanks for that Wayne.
As a convert to battery powered T amps direct coupled to, wide range drivers as the key element to my sound, I can say the AMP3 hits the bullseye; really clean job, Wayne. More to come...
