[marvda1]

I am looking at an amp from a well respected designer that has a dealer network and the 125 watt amp sells for $3000.
My question is which Van Alstine (factory direct) amp should I compare the $3000 amp to, the 350exr, 550exr, or the 440 exh ?

[TomW16]

I am looking at an amp from a well respected designer that has a dealer network and the 125 watt amp sells for $3000.
My question is which Van Alstine (factory direct) amp should I compare the $3000 amp to, the 350exr, 550exr, or the 440 exh ?

I'll let Frank confirm but from my understanding is the 350 and the 550 amps are the "top" amps with power being the only difference between them (350 is 160 Wpc and 55 is 250 Wpc).  They are the FetValve design utilizing both tubes and transistors.

The 440 EXH is a high current mofset amp designed to power difficult speaker loads as low as 1 ohm.

My suggestion would be to look at your speakers and listenting room and determine if you require the high power of the 550 and 440 amps.  If not, you should be all set with the  350, which I own and love.  You could also give Frank a call and he could help guide you through some determining factors in determining the correct amp for your situation.

Good luck.

Tom

[ricmon]

My suggestion is a biased one so here it is.  AVA has a 30 day tail period.  IMHO you are going to be hard preeded to find a better sounding amp.  As far as the price of the apm at your local dealer.  How much mark do you think is hidden in that price.  Now AVA's are sold direct to you thus eliminating dealer markup.  How much do you think an AVA amp will cost in the store?  Give the amp a try.  If you don't like it send it back.   Good luck

[Zheeeem]

I am looking at an amp from a well respected designer that has a dealer network and the 125 watt amp sells for $3000.
My question is which Van Alstine (factory direct) amp should I compare the $3000 amp to, the 350exr, 550exr, or the 440 exh ?

Hard to answer unless we actually know which amp you're comparing it to.

If you look at Frank's website you'll find, under the products --> amplifiers tabs, a comparison grid.  From that you'll see that Frank makes both ss and tube amps, and he builds an especially robust version of the ss amp, with the "h" designation, to drive low resistance loads.

I don't think that the 440 EXH, which puts out 220 WPC and will drive 1 ohm loads, is comparable to most manufacturer's 125 WPC amps.  The 240 EX or EXH is probably closest (if the amp is SS).  However, I can say from personal experience that the 350 EXR is a lovely amp and is very likely to outshine any $3,000 amp out there.

[skrivis]

I am looking at an amp from a well respected designer that has a dealer network and the 125 watt amp sells for $3000.
My question is which Van Alstine (factory direct) amp should I compare the $3000 amp to, the 350exr, 550exr, or the 440 exh ?

The 550EXR. That's the most expensive AVA amp, although it still isn't $3000.

So you'll get twice the power for less money, and will likely get better sound in the bargain.