[WEEZ]

While I am busy saving for a new pre-amp; and after much discussion on this board about the new T-8 and Ultra- I just had to ask about the SS pre-amp. I'm curious about stuff like:

1) Is the curcuit class A?- or AB?- or?
2) Would it have any advantage over the T-8 or Ultra except for no tube replacement and, of course, lower price?
3) Everything else being equal, would the Omegastar be quieter?

I appreciate all the comments from Frank, Larry, and T-8/Ultra owners from other threads concerning my seemingly constant questions.  

'Cause when I'm ready to buy (fairly soon) I don't want to mess-up-

'ya know?  

(FWIW; I am still leaning toward the tube or tube/hybrid pre's- but then again- SS is user friendly    )

thanks,

WEEZ

[EMM801]

I had a PAS4i (older series) and a friend had the Omega. The PAS sounded a little richer and smoother, but the Omega was a little crisper and "faster" sounding to my ear, i would say. I could have lived quite well with it.  Keep in mind that the chassis could be upgraded later to any circuit set that is available in that chassis. Unless you just "hate" solid state, I don't think you'd "go wrong" with the Omega. They're just a little less "silky", perhaps.

[WEEZ]

Crisp?....ouch.

[Zheeeem]

...is price.

I traded up my Omega 3 EC for a T-7 RB.  I must confess, the sonic signature is so much alike that I find the differences to be almost trivial.  The T-7 seems to be somewhat more accurate tonally, and the music is more like live.  But Frank's solid state stuff is very engaging.  I have an old ss combo that I gave my wife to drive a pair of maggie MMGs and, although it's a wee bit harsh and rough, mainly by way of the maggies, it's still pretty damned enjoyable.  

The Omega and T are both exceedingly quiet.

I would have no qualms about swapping an Omega back into my system.

It basically comes down to this - do you prefer tubes or solid state?

FWIW, I think Frank's best product is his DAC.  If you listen to CDs you should have an AVA DAC.

Anyhow, don't neurose.  You can't really "mess up" because if you don't like it you can send it back.

[WEEZ]

Zheeeem,

Thank you for your response. Your comment re: the T-7 being more 'tonally accurate' is not surprising. In my experience, tubes seem to do that better than ss- but not always- hence my question above. Also, that sence of "space", or as you refered to as 'more like live'.

I will keep saving my $$'s. This next system of mine will have to last a good long while. I don't change audio gear often, so I need to do it right.

BTW,do you have the T-DAC or the Omega?

WEEZ  

[Charles Calkins]

Weez:
  Listen up Son!! Pay attention!! Get the T7ECR. You will probably never have to replace it for the next 20 years.

                    Cheers
                   Charlie

[WEEZ]

You're right, Dad!  

       

WEEZ

[Zheeeem]

I've got an Omega 3 DAC.

My rig is a HK CDP as transport only, Omega 3 DAC, T-7 RB, FetValve 350, Biro L1 and a REL Strata3.

My next likely changes are to upgrade the DAC to T and replace the speakers.  I will either rebuild my old Tympani 1(u)s or buy something else, prolly maggies.

My last upgrade was from the omega pre (EC) and power amps to T/FetValve.  I am only slightly happier.  That's because the Omega is very good indeed.  I am also equally happy with the RB as opposed to EC versions of the pre, because I never use tone controls.

I am probably not helping your decision process.  Basically all I am saying is that you will be happy with Omega if that's the path you choose.  The T/FetValve stuff is much more expensive (almost double).  But as you know, that doesn't mean you get double the goodness.  If, for example, you were now running a less than magnificent CDP directly into a less than magnificent pre (i.e., no DAC and a pre that needed replaced) and you had a cash limit up to a T preamp, you might do better to get an Omega DAC and Omega pre.

So my advice is to do what I do.  Call Frank and tell him your dilemma.  In  almost 30 years of doing business with him he has always given me good advice.

FWIW, I owned one of Frank's early products - the so called "FET-5 Mark II" which was an early mod of the Dynaco PAT-5.  That was, IIRC, in the early 70s.  It was a great piece, and I've sent it back to Frank at least twice for upgrades.  I'm still using it in the HT system.  

Did I mention that AVA products are durable???

[WEEZ]

Thanks, Zheeeem.

I've never heard a bad report on AVA gear.

Your advice to call Frank is, of course, what I plan to do when I'm ready. And that will be relatively soon. I use this board to try and determine what users perceive as differences sonically between the various designs. Frank himself seems reluctant to do so on this forum. That's fine, I guess.

As stated before, I will likely choose either a tube design or a hybrid.

As far as DACS are concerned; that would be mad money in the far future; as my main source is vinyl. (gives you a hint as to my sonic bias)

Thanks again,

WEEZ

[avahifi]

Hey Weez, the phono sections on both the Transcendence Eight tube preamp and the Ultra SL and EC hybrid units are just awesome.

Again, the difference is that the hybrids are a bit wider range, a bit more dynamic, and are more focused.  However if simply a huge open transparent sound stage that clearly reaches the spirit of the music is enough for you, the Transcendence Eight is going to do that for you.  Its just not going to knock you out of your chair completely.  However, its dynamics are awesome in its own right, on records you will think you are listening to a musically flawless CD.

Remember the prices will be going up when the new faceplates are available (about 30 days).

[MarkM]

I would have to agree with AVA regarding the dynamics of the T-8.  I thought I had upgraded my power amp when I put it into my system.

Weez, remember AVA gives you a money back 30 day guarantee, if you are not satisfied.  It can be  tough making a purchasing decision regarding an unheard Hifi product over the net.   Gave me a piece of mind, in the event T-8 was not a match for my system or taste.

Have not had a chance to listen to the phono section yet.  Next month I will have a chance to setup up my turntable. (due home renovation, almost complete)

Great post Zheeeem, informative regarding AVA products.

[WEEZ]

Again, thanks to everyone for their input.

MarkM;

I am aware of the 30-day guarantee- however I really would feel like sh*t if I simply took a 'stab in the dark' and said "Oh well- now that I've tried the T-8, maybe I'll send it back and try the Ultra". That's not my style so I won't do that. From posts here (and others..) I have ruled out the Omega; but from Frank's post- I am in need of some consultation as far as my next step. Anxious to hear your comments on the phono section of the T-8!

Frank;

From your post, it is clear that I will need to discuss a few things when the time comes. (just for clarification & stuff). Wish I could take advantage of the old prices, but sadly, I cannot. Just have some other obligations that have set me back, slightly. Hell, maybe I'll just fall in love with the new faceplate design!- and unless you double the prices   , I'll still be good to go on one of the tube designs...   . Thanks

WEEZ

[MarkM]

I don't think you would be sending the T-8 back Weez.   You seem to be leaning toward it.  I certainly am not implying tying a product for the sake of audition and maybe moving on to something else.

I opted for the T-8 because of what Frank stated about its performance compared to their previous T-7.  So it was a no brainer for me given my budget and needs.  I wanted a pre with a remote and phono.

Will be looking for a new amp this winter.....550exr is at the top of my list.  Just missed out on one on Agon.