[dburna]

FS: An Almarro A205A (Mk I), gray chassis.  It is in great shape, probably an 8/9.  It has been modded with a DACT stepped attenuator to replace the Alps volume pot.  Also, the input caps have been replaced with Jensen Paper-in-Oils.  Unit comes with two low-mileage matched JJ EL-84 tubes.

This amp powered a set of Omega Aperiodic 8s to great effect.  Reason for selling: my wife is terrified of using the tubes.   Don't laugh -- I thought this would be a great solution for our basement A/V system, but the tubes make her reluctant to use the amp at all.  Since this is supposed to be the "family system," it is selfish of me to keep this at this point.  I will search for a SS (but I am sure lesser sounding) amp for this system.  I'm a little disappointed in this as I have been extremely happy with the Almarro/A8 combo.  I'm probably going to regret this, but here goes.....

One point of disclosure: the amp has a faint hum (doesn't happen all the time) that is not audible when playing.  However, I think this may be due to the 2-prong cord on the Almarro and some lousy power distribution in our house...maybe a ground loop?  This is a very minor issue, however.

This is a chance to find an amp that doesn't come on the market often.

Will sell for $SOLD plus shipping + PayPal (if you choose to go that route).  Otherwise, I will take money order or check (with a wait until it clears).  PM me if you are interested.

I will include a pair of NOS 12Ax7 for an additional $25 with the purchase of the amp.

Thanks for looking,  -dB

[dburna]

Bump.

[carusoracer]

Can the Amp chassis be changed?

[dburna]

Can the Amp chassis be changed?

I do not know the answer to that question.  I mean, I'm sure it can, but I don't have any information on the cost or the difficulty to do so.  The best bet would be to contact Almarro directly (www.almarro.com) or one of their retailers.

Thanks, -dB

[kck]

Why would one want to change the chassis? I know everyone has their own tastes, but this chassis is unique and reflects the intent of the designer, IMO that of high simplicity that serves only as a vehicle for the beauty that lies within.

I owned the MkII of this amp and sold it recently as I needed to go separates. If not for that I'd have kept that baby forever. 2-3 months later, I still think about that sound sometimes and miss it. This has never happened with any other item I've owned, and I've been through my share in 8 years or so on Audiogon. (Well, Zu Druids to a lesser extent).

Another thing about changing chassis (if you are an average audiophile) is you will kill any possible resale value this has, and it may cost as much as the amp itself to do it. But if you hate it and have access to someone with decent woodworking skills you can drop it into a wooden chassis that can then simply be removed without ill effect to the original.

This is a fine amp and some have preferred it to the MkII. Good luck with the sale OP.

[BossaNova31]

What are the differences between the MK1 and the MK2 version? Does the MK2 have a removable power cord?

[dburna]

What are the differences between the MK1 and the MK2 version? Does the MK2 have a removable power cord?

I'm not an expert on the differences.  The main ones I know about is that the Mk II has a headphone output.  The RCA and speaker terminals are slightly recessed on the Mk I, but that's not a major difference.  I didn't know that either of them had a removable power cord (the Mk I definitely does not).  Any other differences?  Someone more knowledgeable than I will have to weigh in on that one.  I just know that it sounds great -- I'm not one who delves into circuit diagrams when evaluating equipment.  I concentrate on the sound....and on that level, as the previous poster mentions, some folks prefer the Mk. I and some prefer the Mk. II.  I haven't heard both so can't comment either way.

Sorry if this doesn't answer all of your questions.

-dB