[Opus Flatus]

Have been lurking about the 'circle' for a number of years and especially this circle and thought I would contribute.

I recently completed the U70 rebuild and must say it is excellent. It is obvious that a lot of thought went into the design and layout of the board. The quality of the boards and parts are also top notch. The instruction manual was thorough and easy to follow. Any DIYer who can properly solder should have no problem with this kit.

I was blown away when I finally passed some music through it (IPOD apple lossless) through a total BITHEAD headphone amp (In my opinion this is a good source). I enjoyed the sounds coming from the U70 so much I didn't hit the pit until 2 in the AM. The U70 is a smooth operator, very clean sound and well detailed (not in your face detail - non-fatiguing detail to enjoy the music by). Freq response, without measuring, seams to cover the spectrum well to my excellent hearing.The bass was taught and controlled and the highs sweet with no sibilance. It even smoothed out some of my poorly recorded material (Sugar, Sex Pistols, the Hives). The IPOD was in shuffle mode so a healthy representation of music was sampled; everything from punk, glam, indie, American standards, world, and classical. It all sounded great!

Like a lot of you audio-knuckleheads I have a 'few pieces hanging around'. I can't wait to hook up some pre-s, sources, and speaker combinations to hear what I like best because this amp is definitely going to be a part of my new reference rig.

Kudos to Mr Van Alstine

[mark funk]

I heard the U70,with a T-8 and Salk HT-2s last year at the RMAF. I though the U70 sounded really good, so good in fact I am picking up parts so Frank can build two U70s with an Ulta Bridge. I do not think they are going to replace my Fet/Valve 550 but I always wanted a tube amp and what I saw at the show 60watts of a real fine tube amp that sounds as good as two U70s is going to cost you a lot lot more then two U70s and if you do it your self the cost is even less, quite a deal if you ask me and they look cool too and it gets a little cool in my room in the winter and I don't know it kinda make you feel good to look over and see that glowing glass.