[miklorsmith]

I just took receipt of this amplifier and I'm at work and I'm looking at it and this thing is FREAKING BEAUTIFUL.  It's been said and this isn't original thought but I'll reiterate.  The photos on 6moons are great and they sure give enough candy to not be surprised at the look when the amp shows up.

But, they do not show the utterly superb level of finish or color of the resin-cherry, the perfectly centered/countersunk tube sockets and voltage meter or the cohesive ultimate aesthetic.  Wowsers.

If this thing sounds half as good as it looks, it's a smoking deal.

Now, the amp comes packaged from Japan with the requisite 717A and 80 tubes but without the 45's, which are sent separately by Venus Hi-Fi.  I don't have the 45's yet and let me just say I REALLY hope they show up today or I'm gonna be bitter over the w/e.

This is the last piece in a system I've been building toward for about 3 months, or my adult life depending on perspective.  This amp will drive the front array of my Zu Definition Pros.  The rear drivers are essentially built-in subwoofers and are currently being manhandled by a 200 wpc Adcom 555.  Crossover between the mains and subs, as well as room correction are managed by a TacT 2.2XP.  Sources are a Modwright Music Hall CDP or a Vinnie modded SB3, both as digital to the TacT.

This will be a similar system to Srajan's, with a twist - the TacT allows variation with the XO frequency and response manipulation above 40 hz.  So far with my playing with a Clari-T in the system, it seems the optimum XO in my room is about 60 hz - 75 hz depending on the material.  I imagine mellower, less bass heavy music will be served better with a lower XO and heavier fare will probably use a higher XO to alleviate the need for the Yammie to do the heavy lifting AND allow those 8 - 10" drivers to drop the hammer.

Can you tell I'm excited?

[Dmason]

OUtstanding. COngrats!!

Maybe get out the eye candy machine this weekend and share the sweets. Be SURE to try the EML Smoothies. Bona fide: "you've come a long way baby"  Let there be no doubt.

[mca]

Will you be a happy camper this weekend, did the tubes show up?

[miklorsmith]

No.  I actually told Brian at Venus 3 weeks ago that this Could Happen and that he should send the tubes early.  Then I reminded him again a week and a half ago.  Then again this week, when they were "out there".

Now, I have the most beautiful piece of stereo gear I've ever owned, and it's quiet as the grave.  Well, the Def's are gorgeous, but I already have them.  Gear out of reach is always better than what you have.  Or is that women?  I can never remember.

[-Richard-]

Hi Miklorsmith,

My god what a frustrating situation.

Roger Modjeski sells the Emission Labs 45's that Dmason was refering to...
he also sells several other brands including used 45's that he tests for
integrity and balance...a good source for those gorgeous EML's:

805.687.2236                 http://www.ramlabs-musicreference.com/

I love my new RM 245.1 Single Ended Triode 45 tube amp...which generates 4
hugely powerful 45 tube watts!!!!!!!!

I am certain that the innovative design of the Yamamoto, both the physical
aesthetics and the circuit design, will allow whatever 45 tube you select to
breath their magic into your music...then you will know what I am experiencing...

It is all about a rich tonal and textural life married to a s-m-o-o-t-h as silk,
yet detailed and palpable "presence" that fills the room with intimacy and
nuances...there is a reason that after a lifetime of trying everything out there
the most seasoned music lovers turn back to the 45 tube...the second
tube developed after the 300B...more linear!...with much greater resolution in both
directions...in the upper and lower frequencies...

All one needs to do is make certain that the speakers you are using are sufficiently
high in sensitivity...my B200's in OB are rated at 96db (Roger measured them
to be 95db) and my Super 3 Bipoles are also rated at 96db...When I was playing
the Silver Iris Coaxial drivers (also rated at 96db) I had them hooked together
with the B200's and the Bipoles...all driven in parallel by the RM245.1's...and I had
tons of room left for greater SPL's...if I desired it...

I am most interested in your impressions, Mikorsmith...you have joined a very
select group of music lovers...the 45 is quite extraordinary...easy...relaxed...
articulate...detailed...and sonically rich...

Congratulations!!!!!! An excellent choice!!!!!! For those who feel that aesthetics
are not important to their enjoyment of the music, the Yamamoto A-08 and
Roger Modjeski's RM245.1, could change your mind...not a day goes by that
I am not delighted!

Warm Regards -Richard-

[miklorsmith]

Still no 45 tubes.  This sucks.  Last night, I even removed my other amp and hooked up the Yamamoto, in preparation.  I was SURE they'd be here today, as they already seemed overdue.

Anyone ordering this amp with the EML's - they bill the entire balance when the amp is ordered.  Make them ship the 45's to you immediately.  Having the amp with no way to play it for a week is terrible punishment not deserved.

You might have to promise Brian at Venus you won't short out the tubes by drooling on them before the amp arrives.

[miklorsmith]

Oooo boy.  Tubes are here, the Yammie is hot, Patty Barber is hot, and the sounds are smokin'.  I understand this needs a few days to cook but it's already very, very good.  Sibilants are a touch glassy.  Other than that, it's amazing.  And, the TacT isn't even calibrated for it yet (in process as I type).

Interspatial Dimension is mine, all mine!  Boohaahahahahaa

Anybody up for a Sunday session?

[Dmason]

Why dont you call Mttbsh, I know he would be interested in that.

Welcome to Studio 45. Enjoy your stay. Wait til the    "guests"    warm up to you

[-Richard-]

Hi Miklorsmith,

You are on dangerous ground...there will be no going back for you now!

You have just wiped out almost 80 years of "progress"...you have entered
the twilight zone...the only place to be...

YOU HAVE STEPPED OUT OF TIME!!!!

Warm Regards -Richard-

[Dmason]

Yes, that is right. This is "back to the future" stuff. The mighty Emission Labs bottles deserve to be the primary room illumination during ...those, listening sessions, the Arch Lords of Thermionia, the EML 45 Smoothplates, King of all SET tubes, slayer of all preconceived notions about "good" sound.

You, sir, are in for a Treat.

[miklorsmith]

Without going to great extent (that will come), let me say that this amplifier is all that and a bag of chips.  A few highlights:

Upper end extension is phenomenal.  The Def's have never been so clean and sparkly at the uppermost top.

Speed is NOW.  Dynamics are explosive throughout the range.  Decays are extended and fulsome, naturally.

Bass is good, though I'm only using the mains down to 50-65 hz.

And of course, the mids are unreal.  They almost cast a visual hologram into the room.  The aural illusion is so complete that seeing the performer is secondary.  Some will say Tubes make Distortion and SETs are the Worst Offenders.  Maybe.

But, last night I was almost brought to tears listening to Iron and Wine.  That could be the distortion talking.  But, I also listened to my favorite track from The Doors - Riders on the Storm.  I've listened to this track on every system I've had.  

Last night, immediately when Morrison starts singing, it was absolutely obvious that the vocal is over-dubbed, with the primary vocal in front and the same words, whispered, behind it.  I've always thought this was a creative tool of the '60's, using some acoustic resonance.  Maybe everyone else already knows this but it's the first time I've heard it and it was clear as a bell.  In fact, if I focused on the whisper, it took center stage over the primary vocal.

This is NOT distortion talking, but supreme resolution.  This amp is liquid dynamite paired with copascetic speakers.

Now I'll have to start working on a real review.  The concern I'm having is how to separate the TacT, Def Pro's, and Yammie.  They're all doing their part toward an otherworldly synergy.