[EDS_]

Maybe I'm having trouble updating/refreshing Frank's page?

1.  Are the balanced components available? 
2.  Where can I learn more about the Insight items without searching through multiple threads?
3.  Where is pricing info. for the new items?

I'm thinking about ditching my "primary" system and Frank's gear is right at the top of my list to replace the old stuff.


Thx,
Ed

[Wayner]

The Differential Line is not ready yet.
The Insight line looks just like the OmegaStar line. I don't know about price increases.
The only way to learn about the Insight line is in these pages.

That's all I know.

[avahifi]

Right now simply call me at 651-330-9871 for more info about the new Insight line.  All the new Insight products are available right now.

My web site is in the process of a major upgrade right now, but it is not ready yet.

Do note that our prices will have to go up 15-20 percent when the the official announcements are made on our web site.  Our cost of parts and labor has gone up very substantially over the past two years and we cannot hold the line here on our prices any longer.  We will likely give you a 30 day "grace period" after the new prices go into effect. Order soon to get the equipment at the current prices (Insight still priced at equivalent old OmegaStar prices.

Note that the base price of an OmegaStar preamp to an Insight is $450 plus $150 per option for now.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[rustneversleeps]

In my case, what's delaying my decision to upgrade is not knowing which one is the best. So far, no one has been able to give me any affirmative sound comparison on all these new stuff.

For instance, the T-8, the Insight, and the new Super Pas 4i, which one is the best, or the best for the money? Has anyone done any comparison on all three?

Even with the 30 day money back guarantee, I just don't feel the need to box things up, or to ship boxes back and forth, not to mention I would have to connect and disconnect all the patch cables for the CD player and the turntable over and over again, just don't have that kind of time.

In the old days, I just carry my LPs and CDs to the stereo dealership and have the dealer to do all the work.

[MarkD]

It seems like your choice then is to go to a dealer and pay the markup for full service.  That has its own set of problems, for example you will only hear what he sells, not necessarily the best, or the best value.

I too would be interested in a comparison that isn't going to happen:  What's the difference between my ten year old FET Valve preamp and the current Ultra and Insight models and the new differential ones?  Oh, it's a SL so it can't be upgraded to the latest Ultra... I'm happy with what I have, so I'm not in the market, but if I were, that would be my situation to resolve.   

 I've resigned myself to treating this hobby like buying a car.  If I don't need something, it's best not to look, lest I create dissatisfaction with what is already good enough.  If I need something new, only look in my price range.  Do some research, but view the researchers with a bit of skepticism.  They might be honest and objective, but they might not be married to a five foot tall lady who will also drive what I buy.  (Their speakers are not my speakers.  Their room is not my room.  Their music is not my music.)When I find a good brand that delivers reliability and value, I need a strong reason before looking elsewhere.  I resign myself to the fact that I will always want a Ferrari, can't afford one, and would very likely be unhappy with it if I had it.  Consider used, with caution, where it is appropriate.  Some people sell perfectly good things at a loss, because they want something new and different.  Other times, there is a reason it's for sale, cheap.

 

[avahifi]

All of you that have called me know I give you straight advice.  I ask about your system and room and always recommend what will be most cost effective for you, and certainly don't suggest the most expensive options unless you are in a cost is no object mode.

Trying to verbalize the difference between our products is difficult, but call me and I will make an honest go at it.  Again, 651-330-9871 and you will get me or one of my associates, never an electronic switchboard.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[EDS_]

In my case, what's delaying my decision to upgrade is not knowing which one is the best. So far, no one has been able to give me any affirmative sound comparison on all these new stuff.

For instance, the T-8, the Insight, and the new Super Pas 4i, which one is the best, or the best for the money? Has anyone done any comparison on all three?

Even with the 30 day money back guarantee, I just don't feel the need to box things up, or to ship boxes back and forth, not to mention I would have to connect and disconnect all the patch cables for the CD player and the turntable over and over again, just don't have that kind of time.

In the old days, I just carry my LPs and CDs to the stereo dealership and have the dealer to do all the work.

IMO, a few people/companies, Frank being right at the top of the list, offer world class gear at world class bangs for the buck.  While his PR and marketing seem secondary to him his customer service, build quality and relentless R&D are each without question. For me these things trump the few advantages that a dealer can offer.  I should add that in other parts of the US dealers likely offer more than here in Dallas.  Of the local dealers I will only trade with two of them.  The others offer little more than talk and exceptionally high prices.

[MarkD]

In case I wasn't clear, AVA is my choice by default.  It's just that the FET Valve preamp is so good that I don't think I need anything better.  Hence the purchase of the Insight DAC, despite having never actually heard one.  I was thinking a kilobuck CD player might be what I needed to make my CDs sound better, but I like the idea of the cheap player, good DAC combo.  Since I'm not in the market at the moment, I'm not going to waste Frank's time asking him to compare preamps that I probably won't buy, and definitely won't buy now.   

When I buy more audio equipment, it'll probably be a turntable (I've some LPs that can't be replaced), then possibly speakers, then maybe the differential preamp/DAC or whatever is new then.   This could take years. 

Right now I'm anxiously awaiting my DAC and recovering financially from a tough couple of months (new computer for the youngest daughter, new clothes dryer for us, and a 10% increase in the school tax bill.) 

[rustneversleeps]

Being in a small community about 30 miles away from a medium size metropolitan, there are only two HiFi stores near the downtown area. Majority of the HiFi stores disappeared during the late 80's or the mid 90's.

I bought all my AVA gear used without auditioning first, only with the attitude of "hey, at this price, it's worth the risk." But it turned out to be my best decision for HiFi purchase, no regret whatsoever.

Frank makes good stuff, just don't know which one I should pick, maybe I really should give Frank a call.

[Zheeeem]

I really should give Frank a call.

You really should give Frank a call.

As in pretty much everything else in life, the answer to your question is "it depends".  Frank can guide you through that.

If you're looking for bang for the buck, buying something used from Frank may be your best option.  If you're looking for "best" it's probably a brand shiny new Ultra.  But I am saying this completely out of context - what gear you currently have, what your preferences are, your budget, etc., etc., etc.  The great thing about working with small comanies like AVA, Salk, VMPS, etc., is that you can pick up the phone and talk to Frank, Jim, Brian, etc. and ask for advice (and maybe even some custom work).  Take advantage of it!

For example - when I bought my T7 I was slightly less than flush, and I was not listening to much vinyl.  The tube phono section added a cost that I didn't think I needed (and indeed I have not listened to vinyl in 10 years), but I didn't want to live without a phono section entirely.  So I called Frank, and he said, basically "Well, we've never done it before, but I think we can give you an Omega phono section it a Transcendence pre and save you some $$$."  You'll never get that level of service from a big company.