[elcaptain88]

I've been considering potential upgrades to my electronics & am curious about other's experiences/opinions - especially upgrading to Van Alstine. I currently have a Bryston B60 w/ the DAC option and Merlin TSM speakers (relatively new) and have been quite satisifed with the combo - especially the TSM's. Now that I've had the Bryston for about 5+ years - I'm getting the urge to see what improvements separates may bring.

Van Alstine equipment sure seems like a great performance/value proposition, especially considering the cost of going the separates route with Bryston, for example. I like the no-nonsense design approach and don't have the patience to sit and audition super expensive products at the local dealers. I'm sure the VA equipment would be a step up, but I'd be interested in any experiences and/or where I should start upgrading based on my current rig.

Thanks-

[orthobiz]

I live in northern MI with extremely limited auditioning opportunities. I had a Sumo preamp/Dynaco 410 and am loving my T7/550EXR combo. Frank is great and you'll always have some kind of upgrade path available.

Besides, Siren (aka the Fifth Roxy Music Album) is one of my favorite albums!

biz

[skrivis]

I've been considering potential upgrades to my electronics & am curious about other's experiences/opinions - especially upgrading to Van Alstine. I currently have a Bryston B60 w/ the DAC option and Merlin TSM speakers (relatively new) and have been quite satisifed with the combo - especially the TSM's. Now that I've had the Bryston for about 5+ years - I'm getting the urge to see what improvements separates may bring.

Van Alstine equipment sure seems like a great performance/value proposition, especial ...

I think you'd really like the improvement you'd get by moving to AVA equipment. I've been using their equipment for about 20 years now, and haven't seen anything demonstrably better.

I think I'd start with a DAC or a power amp. The OmegaStar 240EX amp might be a good choice.

You could also get an OmegaStar preamp kit if you enjoy building kits.

AVA used to have an integrated amp for sale, but I don't see it on the web site anymore. Maybe it just wasn't selling or something?

[skrivis]

I've been considering potential upgrades to my electronics & am curious about other's experiences/opinions - especially upgrading to Van Alstine. I currently have a Bryston B60 w/ the DAC option and Merlin TSM speakers (relatively new) and have been quite satisifed with the combo - especially the TSM's. Now that I've had the Bryston for about 5+ years - I'm getting the urge to see what improvements separates may bring.

As far as upgrading to AVA equipment, it's been a long time since I had anything else. I was using an NAD preamp (1020?) and a Hafler DH-220 amplifier way back when. I picked up a used Dyna PAS 3 and installed the SuperPAS kit. It outperformed the NAD, so my next step was to modify the Hafler amp. I bought a power supply upgrade kit from AVA and that made a noticeable difference too. Next step was to send the whole amp back to AVA for their Mosfet circuits (I think it was Mosfet C at the time.)

I later bought a used Fet Valve amp from Frank, and used it for several years instead of the Hafler. When the OmegaStar circuits were released, I sent the old Hafler amp back and had it upgraded.

I figure I'm doing pretty well. I like the looks of the Hafler amp, and I've saved some money over the years by having it upgraded.

[WEEZ]

elcaptain88,

I, too, am a TSM owner. Great speaker. And, as you may know, Bobby highly recommends an amplifier with a less 'damped' sound to bring out the best in his TSM- due to the fact that the TSM is highly damped-both in the electronic crossover and the drivers. I know they sound great with tube amps (higher output impedence); and solid state amps with slightly less damping- as I've tried many of these combos.

I don't know where the AVA amps are as far as output impedence (damping factor) but the Bryston's are in the 500+ range and sounded 'thin' with the TSM's to my ears. Nice, but thin. So where do the AVA amps come down? Don't know. Frank??

I'd like to know, myself- 'cause I've yet to upgrade my old Proton integrated. It sounds good within it's power range (nice and full)- but it craps out at higher volumes.

NOTE: not a slam on Bryston, AVA, or anybody. I've heard Bryston with B&W and it was a good match. Unfortunately, B&W isn't what it used to be IMHO. But that's another topic...

I've never heard an AVA amp. But I'm interested too...........

WEEZ

[avahifi_lj]

I think you'd really like the improvement you'd get by moving to AVA equipment. I've been using their equipment for about 20 years now, and haven't seen anything demonstrably better.

I think I'd start with a DAC or a power amp. The OmegaStar 240EX amp might be a good choice.

You could also get an OmegaStar preamp kit if you enjoy building kits.

AVA used to have an integrated amp for sale, but I don't see it on the web site anymore. Maybe it just wasn't selling or something?

I have it under pretty good authority that there will soon be available an OmegaStar 170EX in a very nice Dyna 120 chassis (I finished the amp last night).  I have done a lot of Dyna 120 upgrades and this is one of the nicest chassis I have seen yet -- no rust or pitting.  The amp has all new audio circuits, a new transformer and new power supply.

Couple this amp with an OmegaStar SL preamp and you would have a very nice system at a low cost.....

Larry

[skrivis]

elcaptain88,

I, too, am a TSM owner. Great speaker. And, as you may know, Bobby highly recommends an amplifier with a less 'damped' sound to bring out the best in his TSM- due to the fact that the TSM is highly damped-both in the electronic crossover and the drivers. I know they sound great with tube amps (higher output impedence); and solid state amps with slightly less damping- as I've tried many of these combos.

I don't know where the AVA amps are as far as output impedence (damping factor) but the ...

I assume that these speakers are from Merlin. I'm not totally on board with what they're saying about tube vs.s SS amps, or the need for different wiring harnesses inside the speakers to accomodate different amps.

AVA amps are not loose and flabby sounding, but they're not overly lean either. They simply drive speakers very well. I'd call them neutral-sounding, if anything. They seem to make a lot more power than the ratings would suggest, so you can probably get away with a smaller AVA amp than with most other brands. (I think it's that they will actually deliver at least their rated power into any speaker load, where other amps   give you a lot less into a real load than into a resistor or on paper.)

Bass response with AVA amps is also excellent. You'll get whatever your speakers can do, without any artificial "enhancement." Mids have clarity, and highs are excellent. They just sound like they're doing what they're supposed to - amplify the input signal. To me, AVA products don't really have a "sound." They just do what they're supposed to.

The 170EX that Larry mentioned is a nice package. I'd be tempted if I were in the market for a new amp.

[budyog]

You can't go wrong with AVA equipment. I really like how his products sound and so do my friends. I am sure that once you hooked it all up, sat down and started listening you will say to yourself, wow, all those AC guys were right. I made the right decision! Money well spent! Boy does my system sound good!  

[skrivis]

You can't go wrong with AVA equipment. I really like how his products sound and so do my friends. I am sure that once you hooked it all up, sat down and started listening you will say to yourself, wow, all those AC guys were right. I made the right decision! Money well spent! Boy does my system sound good!  

I was just reading a thread over in the Ellis Audio circle. Dave evidently prefers the Ultimate 70 amp over the Fet-Valve for use with his speakers.

Personally, I'm happy with my OmegaStar, and I'm not even in any rush to get it upgraded to EX status. It sounds better than my older Fet-Valve amp, that's for sure. (My old one isn't like current production FV amps...)

[WEEZ]

Wonder how much the 170EX costs.....

WEEZ

[avahifi_lj]

AVA used to have an integrated amp for sale, but I don't see it on the web site anymore. Maybe it just wasn't selling or something?

The Control Amp and the HTS amp, both in the small SL style chassis, were removed from the catalog a while back.  They are, however, still available on a special order basis in case someone is interested.  The new versions are now including the EX upgrade to the OmegaStar circuits.

The HTS is an OmegaStar 200EX compacted into a small chassis.  The amp was designed for home theatre, but I find that it's a great match for an OmegaStar SL preamp for those wanting a full featured system that takes up very little space.

The Control Amp is for those that want an even smaller system.  This amp is similar to the HTS, but has the feature set of the OmegaStar SL preamp.

FYI:  There is no preamp section in the Control Amp; rather, the amp has a high gain version of the OmegaStar EX power amplifier.  There are several who believe that having one amplifier stage provides better sound.  The only drawback that I can see from the Control Amp is that there is no way (or room) to add a phono section, tape buffers or inverter.  I like the unit because it's small and powerful enough to drive most speakers.

Thanks for your interest in AVA products!

Larry

[avahifi_lj]

Wonder how much the 170EX costs.....

WEEZ

I don't know what the price is, but if you are interested give Frank a call at 651-330-9871.

Thanks!

Larry

[cdorval1]

Congrats on considering AVA equipment.  Most folks don't have the privilege.  

I encourage you to spend some time on the AVA website, especially with the archives of the "Audio Basics" newsletters.  When you read over them, it's hard to escape that Frank Van Alstine has incredible experience (30+ years), background and insight in understanding audio equipment.  

When you buy something here, the money goes for superb design,  careful construction, and high-quality parts, not for marketing, a "status" brand name or a chassis that resembles a boat anchor.

There are thousands of opinions about amplifier design and audio equipment in general.  Even before I bought any AVA equipment, I was very impressed by Frank's continuing passion to get sound reproduction right.  That's his business.  It's about music.  It's not about twinkling lights, tiny buttons and shiny titanium.

After using the FET-Valve amp and the T7 preamp for months, it's easily the best value, and likely the best I've ever heard in a showroom or in my home.  Extended, natural frequency range, lots of detail, tremendous dynamics, zero noise.  It sounds as close to live as anything I've heard.

Go for it.  You'll be glad you did.  And there's a satisfaction guarantee, if it doesn't work out for you.

Good luck.

Craig

[skrivis]

Congrats on considering AVA equipment.  Most folks don't have the privilege.  

I encourage you to spend some time on the AVA website, especially with the archives of the "Audio Basics" newsletters.  When you read over them, it's hard to escape that Frank Van Alstine has incredible experience (30+ years), background and insight in understanding audio equipment.  

When you buy something here, the money goes for superb design,  careful construction, and high-quality parts, not for marketing, a "status" b ...

I guess I get to grumble a bit. I was fine with the way AVA gear looks. But others were not, so there's going to be a new look, and it will raise the prices. So how does that make them sound better?

I do want Frank and company to make plenty of money so they'll stay in business and keep producing excellent equipment, so if better looks will help, I'm ok with it.

But I can't resist a bit of the "told you so." hehe

[avahifi_lj]

I guess I get to grumble a bit. I was fine with the way AVA gear looks. But others were not, so there's going to be a new look, and it will raise the prices. So how does that make them sound better?

I do want Frank and company to make plenty of money so they'll stay in business and keep producing excellent equipment, so if better looks will help, I'm ok with it.

But I can't resist a bit of the "told you so." hehe

Hi:

You are right the new look won't make things sound better; HOWEVER, the new look also includes two new systems under the hood (or case top).  The reason for the price increase is the audio circuits.  There is some additional costs associated with the case styling, but they are very minimal compared to the audio circuit changes.

I can tell you that the new styling will not have fancy lights, widgets or anything else that adds unneeded costs

Thanks!

Larry

[Charles Calkins]

elcapitain88 wants to know if he should upgrade to Audio by Van Alstine equipment.
 I say he should and as soon as possible before the prices go up.
 I finally got my T7ECR preamp last wednesday. It has by far exceded my expectations. Best preamp I've ever had. Very sensitive. Probably as close as you can get to the source of CD playback. No coloration whatsoever. Very neutral. I can hardly wait until it's broken in. Maybe a month or so. I tip my hat to Frank and Larry for creating such fine  audio gear. And the price is right! I'm thinking about amps now. Guess which way I'll go?

                             Cheers
                             Charlie

[WEEZ]

Congratulations Charles.

You may be one of the first to own a 'new & improved' T-7; or is it a T-9??

 

You owe us all a review when you get a few more hours on it so we can all either drool- or save for a T-8; T-9; or T-whatever  

WEEZ

[Charles Calkins]

Weez:
  It's the very latest version of the T7ECR. After it gets broken in I'll try and do a post on how it has improved the sound of my system. Right now I'm like a little kid who got locked in the chocolate factory. Need I say more?

                                   Cheers
                                   Charlie

[WEEZ]

I'll (we'll) be anxious to read about your findings. Try to include info on your other gear; room; etc.

Thanks  

WEEZ

[elcaptain88]

I ended up ordering a T7 SLR a couple of weeks ago right after I posted. The great feedback & headphone section sealed the deal for me - can't wait to get it, I have a feeling an amplifier won't be far behind.