OmegaStar vs FET Valve, help me Obi Wan.

dilznoofus · « **on:** 29 May 2007, 04:43 pm »

time.

richidoo · « **Reply #1 on:** 29 May 2007, 07:36 pm »

The joy that a tube delivers in spite of its 'continual degradation from first volt applied'

is worth the inevitable cost of replacing the tubes due to wear. Ultra amp uses tubes very gently, they are not used to drive current - only voltage, so I would guess they will last even longer than in more typical audio applications. Small signal tubes as used in Ultra are relatively cheap and will last many thousands of hours. Tubes are making a strong comeback and most all types are available as new, high quality parts. Depending on how often you wanna move the markets (please PM me first) or travel back to meet Mark Twain, you should not have to replace the signal tubes for many years. Whether Ultra or Omega, I bet your chickens will look forward to being scared each day!

Rich

richidoo · « **Reply #2 on:** 29 May 2007, 08:30 pm »

No biting allowed. Just ribbin ya dilz

Modern tube designs are just as bulletproof as an all SS design, and can sound better if the designer uses the tubes well. You will not notice the tube wear, as it will be spread out over a decade or more of 8 hours a day playing.

WEEZ · « **Reply #3 on:** 29 May 2007, 09:14 pm »

dilz, what pre-amp will you be using?

WEEZ

WEEZ · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 May 2007, 09:45 pm »

I'm not familiar with surround sound pre-amps, so I'm not the one to ask, I guess

.

WEEZ

Wayner · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 May 2007, 10:13 pm »

Frank does have a 30 day money back policy. I don't want to say that you are being anal about worring about the tubes, but I guess I did. Please don't take offense. I was that way too. All the guys are right. The 550 is awesome and you wont have to worry about the tubes decaying for years. Just buy and extra set or two to have on hand if that makes you feel better.

Enjoy! aa

martyo · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 May 2007, 10:17 pm »

I will say THIS IS IT! Frank is very humble when recommending equipment, he usually recommends the less expensive when there is more than one option, he's a frugal guy. At Magnapan they answer the question of what do you pay for as you go up the ladder of their products with the answer "more resolution". The 550 is a hybrid, designed to extract the most from each. I've had mine for 7 weeks now, so when I say THIS IS IT, it is for me. BTW, at shows, Frank displays the 550 in the prime system.
If the difference in price is not a problem, THIS IS IT.

Seriously, I can't speak for Frank, and this is your personal decision, mine was the 550 and I bought an extra set of tubes.

Marty

OldCoder · « **Reply #7 on:** 29 May 2007, 10:37 pm »

Since there is such agreement, let me confuse you a little.

I have both an Omegastar 240EXR and an Ultra 550 in my system. Both are excellent amplifiers.

However, if I were in your shoes, the only reason I would buy an Omegastar would be to save money,
so I could buy one of Frank's preamps at the same time.

The Ultra 550 is a much better piece in every way.

Add one of his preamps, and you have amplification that is truly world class.

tonyptony · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 May 2007, 11:13 pm »

One thing that may be a small factor is the kind of load presented by the speakers. While both the OmegaStar and the FetValve designs could (I think) drive a dead Mack truck, Frank may have some advice relative to which (if either) might be a better match for your Magneplanars.

Me, I have the Ultra 550. A friend has an OmegaStar. They both sound kicka$$. The way Frank uses the tubes in the FetValve design makes them operate in the very "meat" of the linear region, with virtually no stress (smack me if I said anything wrong, Frank). The tubes should last a good long time, some of it depends on the type of tube, but you should get a good many years out of it. Honestly, I've heard Rotel preamps; they're not too bad. Either amp should work well with your pre (IMO). But if you want the best of the best (assuming it's the right match for your speakers), get the Ultra. You will not be sorry.

WEEZ · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 May 2007, 11:39 pm »

Since OldCoder already said it, (sort-of..), I would question using a pre-amp designed for surround-sound video for serious 2-channel music listening...that's my take. And while I've never heard a Rotel processor...I can't imagine it doing justice to an Ultra amplifier.

That said, I have heard the 550 and it is swell

WEEZ

martyo · « **Reply #10 on:** 30 May 2007, 01:15 pm »

Returned your PM

weirdo · « **Reply #11 on:** 30 May 2007, 01:34 pm »

I have the Omega Star 440 amp with the matching ss EC preamp. It is an incredible ss combination but I am saving up to jump into a T8 pre for the tubes. I intend to keep the 440 forever though. It is a muscular and sensitive amp and I am extremely pleased. .

Zheeeem · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 May 2007, 01:37 pm »

Quote from: dilznoofus on 29 May 2007, 04:43 pm

So I have narrowed my search down to the OmegaStar 440EXH and the Fet Valve Ultra 550. I currently (heh, I have made a small joke) own a pair of Magneplanar 1.6s, but it the not too distant future, these may be getting bigger (bigger Magneplanars, to be specific).

They are both fine amps and very rugged. I have run both a FV and an Omega with Maggies and they are excellent.

I don't think that the tube issue you refer to is anything to worry about. The FV is certainly a better amp, but if you really don't want to mess with tubes, I'd suggest the omega.

You might also consider saving up for an AVA preamp and DAC. The $$$ difference will give you a good start.

Scott_W · « **Reply #13 on:** 31 May 2007, 03:22 am »

Hey there,

I got the 550 about 3 months ago from Frank personally (I live in Mpls), check it out here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vdone&1175112764&read&keyw&zzvan=alstine

Anyhoo, If I go half way on the volume knob, the cops will come. My system gets so insanely loud you can hear it clearly from the street with every window closed (my wife keeps reminding of this when she gets home) at 1/3 volume. Sounds pretty good from the street btw.

Frank actually told me the next one down the 350 will be fine with my 803Ds, and he was fully correct of course. The 550 is just insanely powerful. To think that it could run out of steam on anything is laughable. The power is scary.

Scott

2gumby2 · « **Reply #14 on:** 31 May 2007, 12:22 pm »

This is a great discussion as I have had exactly the same questions about these amps. I was leaning toward the Omegastar, but some of the posts here refer to the FetValve as "better". For those that have heard both, can you describe how the FetValve is "better"?

OldCoder · « **Reply #15 on:** 1 Jun 2007, 12:39 am »

How is the Ultra 550 better than an Omegastar?

The Omegastar is a musical sounding amp for your stereo, the Ultra 550 simply makes music.

The sense of space and amount of detail is greater with the Ultra 550, in both the midrange and highs. The control and extension of bass is greater in the 550.

The Omegastar is a wonderful amp, and until I heard the Ultra 550 in my home, I was very happy with it.
However, once I heard the 550, I realized that Frank had a "breakthrough" piece here. Wonderful had been improved upon in a "not subtle at all" fashion, extending through all aspects of the amp.

I know its hard to believe. That changes when you A/B the two for less than an hour....

EclecticSeeker · « **Reply #16 on:** 1 Jun 2007, 02:51 am »

I must generally concur with OldCoder. The OmegaStar is a wonderful amp, however it’s hard to imagine a system in which an Ultra would not noticeably out-perform it. IMO, the only reason to go with an OmegaStar instead of an Ultra would be price. And as long as you don’t A-B them, you will be very happy with the OmegaStar. If there is any way to afford it, however, the Ultra is an audiophile’s dream – near state-of-the-art audio performance at a bargain price…