[Dracule1]

 

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1187940100

[Frihed91]

That was a quick sell at the reduced price.  I have a slightly smaller version (65 Wpc) + a PL-12 pre/head-amp.  I have had to have a lot of work done to the power supply, preamp and power amp to fix unbelievably careless construction mistakes.  However, now that i have swallowed that bitter pill, I am very happy I did, because the sonics have exceeded my wildest expectations.

[zybar]

I bought the amp.

While I haven't hooked it up yet, the person I bought it from didn't have any technical issues with the amp.

I plan on using the amp in a secondary system or as a backup to my main 2 channel amp (Bella Extreme 100's).

The cosmetics aren't the greatest, but it isn't as bad as what I thought it would be (based on previous comments I have read).

George

[boead]

I bought the amp.

While I haven't hooked it up yet, the person I bought it from didn't have any technical issues with the amp.

I plan on using the amp in a secondary system or as a backup to my main 2 channel amp (Bella Extreme 100's).

The build quality isn't the greatest, but it isn't as bad as what I thought it would be (based on previous comments I have read).

George

Open it up. The build quality is likely excellent, its just not pretty. Very well laid out, top quality components and wire. Peter knows what he’s doing, he’s just not interested in the cosmetics and keeps cost down by using inexpensively made (but solid) chassis.

I would bet that the McAlister amp will outperform the Bella’s easily!!

My SE32 is on its was from Canada right now, hope to have it next week. But the experience I have with Peters preamp has been nothing short of spectacular. Its Sonics are the best I’ve owned. I’ve used BAT, Bryston, CJ, Van Alstine and others and the McAlister is the most musical and enjoyable to listen to.

I believe the issues with the PP150’s have been with the power supply. Its very large and heavy and some of the irons buzz. Also, since Peter does no0t have an appropriate shipping box for it, its difficult to ship properly.


John, what problems or failures did you have with your McAlister amp?

[zybar]

I bought the amp.

While I haven't hooked it up yet, the person I bought it from didn't have any technical issues with the amp.

I plan on using the amp in a secondary system or as a backup to my main 2 channel amp (Bella Extreme 100's).

The build quality isn't the greatest, but it isn't as bad as what I thought it would be (based on previous comments I have read).

George

Open it up. The build quality is likely excellent, its just not pretty. Very well laid out, top quality components and wire. Peter knows what he’s doing, he’s just not interested in the cosmetics and keeps cost down by using inexpensively made (but solid) chassis.

I would bet that the McAlister amp will outperform the Bella’s easily!!

My SE32 is on its was from Canada right now, hope to have it next week. But the experience I have with Peters preamp has been nothing short of spectacular. Its Sonics are the best I’ve owned. I’ve used BAT, Bryston, CJ, Van Alstine and others and the McAlister is the most musical and enjoyable to listen to.

I believe the issues with the PP150’s have been with the power supply. Its very large and heavy and some of the irons buzz. Also, since Peter does no0t have an appropriate shipping box for it, its difficult to ship properly.


John, what problems or failures did you have with your McAlister amp?

Boead,

I changed my wording above to "cosmetics" vs. "build quality" - thanks for the catch on my words.

Why do you think the PP150 will outperform the Bella Extreme 100's quite easily? 

Have you heard the Bella Extreme 100's?

While I certainly think that the PP150 "could" be the better performer, I will be pleasantly surprised if it is.

I am making that comment based on past experiences with lots of gear.

While price doesn't always equal performance, I have rarely found instances were "less expensive" gear outperforms well selected, and high performing more expensive gear (ok, don't flame me too much guys). 

The most notable exception has been Wayne's (Bolder Cable) modified SB2 + Ultimate II Power Supply bettering some excellent digital front ends costing 2x, 3x, and 4x more than what Wayne charges.  I would also give a runner's up award to the CI Audio D-200's.

Anyway...I will be able to judge for myself very soon.

George

[opnly bafld]

FWIW I took delivery of an SE32 in January and have had no problems.
Plus, it IS pretty with the lights low and the tubes aglow.

George,
I am so glad you bought that amp shortly after the "local" price drop.
I had somebody near Boston willing to pick it up for me, but what do I need with another amp.
Enjoy, if it is anything like my SE you will like it a lot.

Take care,
Lin

PS George, if you decide to sell it anytime soon..........no I must resist.

[zybar]

FWIW I took delivery of an SE32 in January and have had no problems.
Plus, it IS pretty with the lights low and the tubes aglow.

George,
I am so glad you bought that amp shortly after the "local" price drop.
I had somebody near Boston willing to pick it up for me, but what do I need with another amp.
Enjoy, if it is anything like my SE you will like it a lot.

Take care,
Lin

PS George, if you decide to sell it anytime soon..........no I must resist.

Given what I paid for the amp, I don't see it being sold anytime soon.

Especially if it is as good as everybody says.

George

[rayd]

Lin, I'm glad you are enjoying SE-32 - I wished I had the patience to wait for mine. I sort of have my eyes on the Almarro 318B as well but both these amps need care and feeding 

Boead, I'd be interested to hear your impressions too - especially with the 95's.

George, if you ever have folks over for a listen, I'd be interested. I am about 1 hour west of Boston. I do poke in the New England Audio Revolution forum occassionally.

I agree, Peter is a very nice gentleman - talked to him on the phone a few times. I ordered the SE-32 from Peter last year and after months of false delivery dates, I got frustrated and cancelled my order but am glad everyone is enjoying their amps.

- Ray

[zybar]

Lin, I'm glad you are enjoying SE-32 - I wished I had the patience to wait for mine. I sort of have my eyes on the Almarro 318B as well but both these amps need care and feeding 

Boead, I'd be interested to hear your impressions too - especially with the 95's.

George, if you ever have folks over for a listen, I'd be interested. I am about 1 hour west of Boston. I do poke in the New England Audio Revolution forum occassionally.

I agree, Peter is a very nice gentleman - talked to him on the phone a few times. I ordered the SE-32 from Peter last year and after months of false delivery dates, I got frustrated and cancelled my order but am glad everyone is enjoying their amps.

- Ray

Ray,

I might be able to host something on Sunday, July 29th.

I'll post something over in the NEAR Circle and see what kind of interest there is.

George

[Daygloworange]

Given what I paid for the amp, I don't see it being sold anytime soon.

Especially if it is as good as everybody says.

George
 
 

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the McAlister, George. We had a pair of McAlister MB130 mono blocs here, and they definitely do sound different than the tube stuff I've heard. Mind you this was during our Amp Comparo earlier this year, so my memory is a little foggy, but there were some definite areas where I thought they were really good.

Peter is only about an hour or so away, I might try and get a loaner from him one day and put some time on one in my system.

Cheers

[Frihed91]

There were several careless construction errors:
1.  Wrong output tube sockets in the power amp.  I Had to change them and re-wire/solder them
2.  Tranny covers on power were amp put on crooked.  Left as is.
3.  Preamp volume and balance knobs were not grounded because the pots did not have long enough shafts to mount them correctly.  I Installed new pots correctly.
4.  A number of screws in the power supply were drilled in twice; some screws were not holding at all.  I Completely rebuilt the cabinet.
5.  One of the transformers in the power supply was wobbling; screws were loose. I Reset the transformer on new insulation mounts.

[Dracule1]

Wow, sounds like you got a lemon.  I would have returned the unit for repair at Peter's cost for such a shotty construction job.  Mine didn't look pretty, but did not have your problems.  Sound is excellent though.

[Daygloworange]

Zybar,

Have you given the McAlister any time in your system yet?

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Cheers

[zybar]

Zybar,

Have you given the McAlister any time in your system yet?

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Cheers

Denny,

I only got it up and running a couple of days ago (I blew a key tube and didn't have a replacement).

Right now it is running in second system with AV123 Mini Stratas and modified Panny RP-91.  I will be switching to a Bolder Cable modified SB2 as the source later today and will have a better idea of its capabilities.

Next week I will try it in the main system.  I don't want to do that now, as I have been trying other new gear and working on tweaking the main system for a gathering at my place tomorrow.

BTW, when the tube went, I wasn't 100% certain that was the cause of not getting any sound out of the amp.  I sent an e-mail to Peter and he called me right back.  Even though I didn't buy the amp new, Peter was as friendly as could be and quite helpful.   

George

[Dracule1]

George, glad to here Peter was prompt and helpful and your amp is up and running.  The amp I sold you has the DACT CT2 attenuator so it's probably sounds better than the standard wiper pot Peter uses.  He's always been a gentleman when I dealt with him.