550 and 350 owners- What amp(s) did you use before..

Parnelli777 · « **on:** 15 Feb 2006, 01:35 pm »

the AVA units?

What led you finally to the AVA Fet Valve?

Dan Kolton · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Feb 2006, 02:55 pm »

I'd have to go back to the 1980s to talk about any amp other tha AVA. Back then, it was Audio Research (both pre and power).

ricmon · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Feb 2006, 04:48 pm »

a pair of NEW A-20's. They were pretty nice soundig. Just did't have the balls to make my speakers sing.

budyog · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Feb 2006, 10:06 pm »

Knowing Frank has stayed in the business for so long and hearing some of his modified Dynaco stuff long ago, I purchased the T7-SLR and then I had to have one of his amps to go with it. I don't even think of going to any other amp. I just want to get my amp and preamp upgraded now to the Ultra and eventually get another 350 Ultra. One for each channel! I had some pretty good amps made by another local guy who has since quit the audio business. AVA gear is superb! I am very, very happy.

mark funk · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Feb 2006, 11:31 pm »

Well, My first component set was a Pioneer M-22 class A amp, C-21 pre. The amp burned up in a year and a half. Then a Son of Ampzilla, then we went for more watts with a Dynaco 416 with the C-100 capacitor bank. And as we all know the 416 was kinka borrowed from Frank! Went for more watts again with a Carver TFM-25. The FetValve 550 is in a hole different class then these amps and most others at any price!

Rocket · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Feb 2006, 11:35 pm »

Hi Ricmon,

At last a comparison that i can use as a yardstick. I had a pair of n.e.w. 20.1's and they sounded pretty good. Apart from more power what improvement do you think the van alstine amps delivered compared to the 20.1's?

Regards

Rod

tonyptony · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Feb 2006, 11:37 pm »

Quote from: Parnelli777

the AVA units?

What led you finally to the AVA Fet Valve?

Parnelli777, I recently posted my thoughts about the transition to a 550. I won't repeat it, but you can read it here

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=25432

ricmon · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Feb 2006, 02:45 pm »

Quote from: Rocket

Hi Ricmon,

At last a comparison that i can use as a yardstick. I had a pair of n.e.w. 20.1's and they sounded pretty good. Apart from more power what improvement do you think the van alstine amps delivered compared to the 20.1's?

Regards

Rod

I had the original A20's. That first batch did not have the quality parts that the 20.1 had. As compared to the 550 exr. But before I gat my 550 I had a 350 HC. The first thing was that I finally got to hear what my speaker are capable of. The next thing I notice was the sheer extension of the frequency spectrum and more musical clues were washing over me in a way I had not experienced before. By the way I was using a NWE P3 preamp, nice match but was to tubby. Next I upgraded to the 550 EX then EXR and this was the most dramatic change of all then I got a TR7 and all I can say is now my system exceeds my NEW set up in every area. What pre amp are you using?

Rocket · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Feb 2006, 01:14 am »

Hi Ricmon,

Pm sent instead of corrupting this thread with non van alstine equipment.

regards

Rod

Zheeeem · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Feb 2006, 04:40 pm »

I had Van Alstine Omega stuff, and before that Van Alstine Mosfet. I now have a 350 (and the older Mosfet). It all sounds pretty good and it's rugged as hell.

boead · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Feb 2006, 06:44 pm »

Quote from: ricmon

a pair of NEW A-20's. They were pretty nice soundig. Just did't have the balls to make my speakers sing.

What speakers do you have?

ricmon · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Feb 2006, 02:40 pm »

Aerial Acoustic Model 5's. I love these speakers (mated with a sub). I went the route of upgrading my amp instead of the speakers. Since inserting the AVA amp (first interation was a 350hc) the speaker are now doing what they were designed to do. Make music.