[earlmarc]

I plan on comparing three amplifiers hopefully within the next month or so, depending on my schedule. Three amplifiers that have piqued my interest are the following:

1. Updated Belles Reference 350A ($3995)

2. Moscode 401HR ($4995)

3. Tube Research Labs D225 Amplifier ($3995)

This comparison should be fun. I feel that these three amplifiers are probably the best in their price class.

[TheChairGuy]

That's an eclectic group, earlmarc 

I'd wonder how one of Mr, van Alstine hybrids would far in such company (for half or less of the totals of these amps).  Like the Moscode, it is a hybrid with tight voltage regulation that shoudl help overcome the slightly 'wobbly' bass that tube amps tend to have.

[Daygloworange]

earlmarc,

What kind of front end will be feeding the amps? And what kind of speakers will they be driving? Will you be doing side by side comparisons?

Cheers

[earlmarc]

That's an eclectic group, earlmarc 

I'd wonder how one of Mr, van Alstine hybrids would far in such company (for half or less of the totals of these amps).  Like the Moscode, it is a hybrid with tight voltage regulation that shoudl help overcome the slightly 'wobbly' bass that tube amps tend to have.

I'm not sure. I don't have any experience with Frank's products. I have read many good things about them. I too wonder how his amplifiers would compare.

[earlmarc]

earlmarc,

What kind of front end will be feeding the amps? And what kind of speakers will they be driving? Will you be doing side by side comparisons?

Cheers

SAS Audio Labs 10A Preamplifier, TRL Sony DVP-900V CD Player, and Magnepan MG1.6QR Speakers. I will be doing a side by side comparison.

[Daygloworange]

Cool. Looking forward to reading your impressions.

Cheers

[Spirit]

All amplifiers sound the same! teeheehee

[warnerwh]

I agree, all amps sound the same. There's no reason to waste your time. Buy the one you think is the best looking

I also think the AVA Fetvalve 550 would be a good amp to be in this mix. It's an unusually good sounding amplifier and unique in it's cleanliness.  For sound quality it is extremely similar to a Blue Circle amp I had but with more power and less money.

[Jon L]

I plan on comparing three amplifiers hopefully within the next month or so, depending on my schedule. Three amplifiers that have piqued my interest are the following:

1. Updated Belles Reference 350A ($3995)

2. Moscode 401HR ($4995)

3. Tube Research Labs D225 Amplifier ($3995)

This comparison should be fun. I feel that these three amplifiers are probably the best in their price class.

Wow, I did not realize the Moscode was $5K
In any case, I would borrow a pair of good nos 6922/6dj8 tubes to replace the 6H30 tubes in the Moscode before the amp comes to truly hear this amp.

[zybar]

I plan on comparing three amplifiers hopefully within the next month or so, depending on my schedule. Three amplifiers that have piqued my interest are the following:

1. Updated Belles Reference 350A ($3995)

2. Moscode 401HR ($4995)

3. Tube Research Labs D225 Amplifier ($3995)

This comparison should be fun. I feel that these three amplifiers are probably the best in their price class.

Wow, I did not realize the Moscode was $5K
In any case, I would borrow a pair of good nos 6922/6dj8 tubes to replace the 6H30 tubes in the Moscode before the amp comes to truly hear this amp.

The Moscode is very good with the stock tubes, but it does indeed improve by adding in some NOS tubes.  Besides various 6922 tubes, I have had some good success with various 12AU7 tubes.

George

[JoshK]

That is a neat list, although I am not familiar with the TRL amp.  I'll have to look it up.  Another interesting hybrid amp that might be cool to try out is the Monarchy hybrid (don't recall the model number).  It is a high powered hybrid mono block amp. 

[earlmarc]

That is a neat list, although I am not familiar with the TRL amp.  I'll have to look it up.  Another interesting hybrid amp that might be cool to try out is the Monarchy hybrid (don't recall the model number).  It is a high powered hybrid mono block amp. 

Not alot of information on the TRL solid state amplifiers. I've spoken to Paul and Brian at TRL a number of times about them. They have three models: Integrated 225, Stereo & Mono 225, and Stereo and Mono 500. Paul told me the amplifiers were originally designed to provide clean power for radiology equipment. Paul told me that his solid state amplifiers sound as good as his $80,000 tube amplifiers. I look forward to hearing them.

I'm going to limit my audition to the three amplifiers. I'm sure that there are other good contenders out there, but I feel quite comfortable with my choices.

[Bob Reynolds]

You might consider matching output levels so you'll have more of an apple-to-apple comparison. If you'll be using a CD as the source, you can download a -20dBFS at 1KHz sine wave from M&K's pro web site. Simply measure the voltage at the speakers for a comfortable volume setting. Shoot for a 0.1dB matching. Good luck.

-- Bob

[DARTH AUDIO]

Is there a web site for the TRL amp? Ran a search and no luck.

[earlmarc]

Here is a thread over at audiogon about TRL solid state amplifiers:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1139505036&read&keyw&zztube+research+labs