Bought some Second-Hand AVA Gear - What do I have???

Inspiribomb · « **on:** 23 Jun 2009, 10:49 pm »

Greetings all, this is my first post in the VA section, but definitely not my first on AC or other audio forums. I am a Minnesota native, living in St. Paul, and I recently picked up some Van Alstine gear second-hand, and was wondering if anyone could tell me what I have, and from what era? Here are the models:

-Omega III SL Preamplifier
-Omega III 440HC Power Amplifier
-Omega III Topp-Hat DAC
-Dynaco amp with big power meters that says "Modified by Van Alstine"

I'm not sure of the details, and would appreciate any input.

Thanks!

Tone Depth · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Jun 2009, 11:25 pm »

I bought an Omega III preamp in 2000, so I think that model may have run from 1998 to 2001 or so, before the Omega IV came out. Likewise with the amp and DAC.

The Dynaco amp probably was around five to ten years earlier. I'm no expert, though, on the pedigrees.

All good equipment, no longer state of the art, but it can be upgraded for the most part to current models by AVA. The preamp and DAC may be in a narrow chassis, less than 17" wide, and may be limited in circuit upgrades. They were in the past few years built in the standard wider chassis, when the Insight line was introduced, I believe.

Upgrade info: http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/upgrades.htm

Check out the AVA website: http://www.avahifi.com/

Welcome to the AVA family!

boycephoto · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 12:26 am »

I bought an Omega III pre amp and 440HC (220watts/ch) power amp in February 1996, I think the TOP-DAC digital-analog converter was from the same era. The Dynaco could be a Stereo 400, 416 or 150 if it has meters on the front. They are from the early-mid 70's and Audio by Van Alstine has offered modifications and upgrades for them since the late 70's. The AVA Omega III amp and preamp are solid units and should be of reasonable value unless they have been abused. They can also be upgraded to current standards for a very reasonable price. Call Audio by Van Alstine for all the information, or www.avahifi.com.

Good luck
Dave

Wayner · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 03:55 pm »

The preamp and DAC are in the smaller chassis, the preamp can't be upgraded (I think, ask Frank) to an insight because that needs the new larger EC housing, however, the DAC can be upgraded to an Insight. The amp can be easily upgraded (the 440). Nice haul. What Dynaco power amp? Is it the 400 or the 150?

Wayner

smk · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 04:05 pm »

Before I would get on the upgrade bandwagon, I'd listen to your new equipment for several months.

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 04:11 pm »

Quote from: smk on 24 Jun 2009, 04:05 pm

Before I would get on the upgrade bandwagon, I'd listen to your new equipment for several months.

Nah. The AVA upgrade path is an easy route to state-of-the-art gear. Why let your ears become satisfied with good when you can listen to great, the cost of upgrading notwithstanding?

Tone Depth · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 07:04 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 24 Jun 2009, 03:55 pm

The preamp and DAC are in the smaller chassis, the preamp can't be upgraded (I think, ask Frank) to an insight because that needs the new larger EC housing, however, the DAC can be upgraded to an Insight. The amp can be easily upgraded (the 440). Nice haul. What Dynaco power amp? Is it the 400 or the 150?

Wayner

Wayner,

Have you got any comments for Inspiribomb regarding the performance of the AVA TOPP/DAC?

Wayner · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 08:07 pm »

No I haven't. I still have the Topp/DAC and really like it. Frank once in a while yells at me to send it in for upgrading, but oh well, someday.

I thought the Dynaco 416 only came with LED power meters (as that was a later version)? But I could be wrong. I have seen the 400 as well as the 150 with or without meters.

I agree with OINT, get the upgrade. It wouldn't be that much.

Wayner

Lefty052347 · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 Jun 2009, 11:28 pm »

Omega III SL can be upgraded to Insight+. The line board for the small chassis SL is the same size as the phono board (same board different configuration).

bush2 · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 12:56 am »

I'd listen to your new equipment for several months.

WGH · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 02:15 am »

Quote from: bush2 on 25 Jun 2009, 12:56 am

I'd listen to your new equipment for several months.

I'd go for the upgrade right now! Tone Depth and I compared an Omega III pre-amp to an Insight+, it was all over as soon as three notes played.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=64826.msg602612#msg602612

If you get the upgrade after a couple of months you will kick yourself for not doing it right away...really.

Wayne

charmerci · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 02:28 am »

....but of course, if you can't afford the upgrade right now, you'll be perfectly happy with what you don't have!

(The upgrade.)

JerryM · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 03:06 am »

This has been a fun thread to read!

You score on a bunch of new (to you) gear. Sweet!

You have myriad options on how to proceed! Sweet!

Your gear should already sound really good, but with the options mentioned above, apparently, you can only make it sound better. Sweet!

So, to upgrade now, or not? If now, which piece? Then what? Sweet!

For right now, enjoy the music.

Have fun,
Jerry

BrianM · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 12:26 pm »

Listen to it for a while, knowing you'll eventually upgrade, then upgrade. Then you'll appreciate the diff.

avahifi · « **Reply #14 on:** 25 Jun 2009, 03:01 pm »

For what it is worth, here are the upgrade prices for the used equipment you acquired.

Omega III SL preamp to Insight+ SL: $549 plus $149 for the phono section if it now has the phono option.

Omega III 440HC amplifier to Insight 440H amplifier: $999 including new audio boards and output circuits.

Omega III Top-DAC to Insight+ DAC: $699

Early AVA modified Dyna 400 to Insight 400: $899 to $1299 depending upon number of output devices it has.

Each upgrade includes new three year AVA warranty on all upgrades.

Since you are local, give me a call at 651-330-9871 and come and listen and compare the equipment to our newest.

Best regards,

Frank Van Alstine

Inspiribomb · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 03:52 am »

Thank you for the great info

The plan for now is to clean it up, as its a bit dirty, but all have nice clean faceplates. I will enjoy them as-is for some time, before considering any upgrades. My current system consists of a Classe CA-2200, Bel Canto DAC-3, with a Squeezebox, so it should be interesting comparing that equipment to the VA gear. Speakers are Infinity Renaissance 90's, so resolution and clarity shouldn't be an issue.

Inspiribomb · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 12:05 pm »

For some reason I was thinking the preamp would be a tube-hybrid, but I can't see a single tube in this thing. Was I mistaken?

avahifi · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 12:48 pm »

The Omega III SL preamplifier is all solid state.

The Insight+ SL sounds like you wish a perfect tube preamp would sound.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

Art_Chicago · « **Reply #18 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 02:09 pm »

Quote from: avahifi on 26 Jun 2009, 12:48 pm

The Omega III SL preamplifier is all solid state.

The Insight+ SL sounds like you wish a perfect tube preamp would sound.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

I thought the AVA T-8 is the perfect tube preamp

meaning that the Insight+ should sound as T-8.
Seriously, Frank, would you compare these two in a few words? I have seen others' opinions, but I do not recall yours.
Thanks

Inspiribomb · « **Reply #19 on:** 26 Jun 2009, 09:58 pm »

I wasn't sure what to expect when I hooked this up to the main system. I am running my Squeezebox into the TOPP-Hat DAC into the preamp, into the power amp. Consider me impressed. I'm listening to some Pink Floyd right now and very much like what I'm hearing. That says a lot, since my speakers are particularly unforgiving of harsh amps and associated equipment.

I've noticed that the amp seems to run pretty hot, which I am guessing is a function of the design. Are VA known for being biased highly into Class A? Or do they just run hot?