amp shoot out

rcag_ils · « **on:** 13 Sep 2009, 09:25 pm »

I dragged my hand built (by me) AES-25 super amp signature out of my audio inventory the other day, disconnected the AVA Ultra 550 from my current system, and replaced it with the AES super amp. After listening to it for a few days. I asked Frank if it would be OK to bring it in for a shoot out with the U70 when time permits, he said "sure".

Some how I have a feeling that the SET sound from my super amp may win.

avahifi · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 03:48 pm »

Bring it (your AES-25 amp) over any time sir.

Just call me first at 651-330-9871 to make sure that time is convenience for both of us.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

gjs_cds · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 06:19 pm »

Love to see a 3rd or 4th party at the audition to provide unbiased (or less biased) experiential commentary.

DustyC · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 07:25 pm »

Well, this should be interesting.

The result will depend more on the speaker's impedance than anything else I can think of right off hand.
Should be fun!

TF1216 · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 07:32 pm »

If you two would like another amp to add to the party let me know. I have a Pass Labs amp to offer. I am in Minnesota myself.

TjMV3 · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 08:08 pm »

Quote from: rcag_ils on 13 Sep 2009, 09:25 pm

Some how I have a feeling that the SET sound from my super amp may win.

Doesn't sound like you're coming from an objective place.

Seems like you're already convinced which is better. Which makes your opinion pretty much moot.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 08:17 pm »

Quote from: rcag_ils on 13 Sep 2009, 09:25 pm

Some how I have a feeling that the SET sound from my super amp may win.

If nothing else, having half the power is going to be relevant.

Brett

Wayner · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 08:44 pm »

Hopefully, you're bringing speakers that match up with your SET amp, otherwise, the dynamics of the U70 will crush it.

Wayner

gjs_cds · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 08:45 pm »

Quote from: TjMV3 on 15 Sep 2009, 08:08 pm

Quote from: rcag_ils on 13 Sep 2009, 09:25 pm
Some how I have a feeling that the SET sound from my super amp may win.

Doesn't sound like you're coming from an objective place.

Seems like you're already convinced which is better. Which makes your opinion pretty much moot.

My thoughts exactly...which is why I'd like to see other people there. Someone with blinders on, looking for a fight, while already having a predetermined result.

(I saw this often enough in the DIY speaker building scene... People were hardily convinced that their 5 dollar goldwood driver speaker designs were the best thing since sliced bread...)

TomW16 · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 09:03 pm »

Dare I say a blinded test might help with preconceved ideas.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Cheers,
Tom

sueata1 · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 11:47 pm »

Hope Frank has a pair of 106 DB K-horns laying around for that SET.

happy listening
Mel

gjs_cds · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Sep 2009, 01:05 am »

Quote from: TomW16 on 15 Sep 2009, 09:03 pm

Dare I say a blinded test might help with preconceved ideas. Sorry I couldn't resist.

Cheers,
Tom

I actually agree w/ you. But the problem is that our ability to hear differential units of intensity is very (very) acute. We can actually perceive 10^13 different intensity levels. As a result, the amps would have to be matched to at least w/in 0.3 dB (if not less) for there to be a truly blinded and valid test. This is pretty tough to do on the fly...

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Sep 2009, 02:48 am »

My suggestion, just listen to the amps and decide what you like better. Don't worry about Frank's opinion. He might understandably be apt to like the sound of amps that he has been voicing for the past few decades, but he is always honest about his opinion of competitors' equipment. Remember, Frank was the only person that thought the expensive MIT cables sounded better than the old ropes, IIRC. I thought this started as a fun, subjective comparison. Do you really need a double-double double-stuffed oreo cookie double blind "test" of the amps"?

Have fun, enjoy life, love your brother.

(not too much, however.) Get Frank to take you for a ride in his A6 (bring your own helmut). Did any one see my bong?

Pass the rope, please.

I am listening to Zeppelin on my newly re-tubed U70, and I am feeling very mellow.

rcag_ils · « **Reply #13 on:** 16 Sep 2009, 02:53 am »

Quote

Doesn't sound like you're coming from an objective place.

Seems like you're already convinced which is better. Which makes your opinion pretty much moot.

Based on the comparison with the Ultra 550, which is what I also have......

Quote

My thoughts exactly...which is why I'd like to see other people there. Someone with blinders on, looking for a fight, while already having a predetermined result.

Why so defensive, no one's looking for a fight here, just a amplifier comparison, that's all, won't happen right away though.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #14 on:** 16 Sep 2009, 04:43 am »

Quote from: rcag_ils on 16 Sep 2009, 02:53 am

Quote
Doesn't sound like you're coming from an objective place.

Seems like you're already convinced which is better. Which makes your opinion pretty much moot.

Based on the comparison with the Ultra 550, which is what I also have......

Hmm, and your 12 watt 5% distortion SET is being spoken of in the same sentence? This is going to be fun...

Brett

rcag_ils · « **Reply #15 on:** 16 Sep 2009, 01:14 pm »

Quote

Hmm, and your 12 watt 5% distortion SET is being spoken of in the same sentence? This is going to be fun...

For your information, it's 20 watts in Triode mode, and 40 watts in Ultra Linear mode, google the Super amp signature, more info there.

Ultra 550 is a good amp, lots of bass, very powerful, but lack front and back presentation, and detail in comparison to the super amp.

Triode watts are expensive, 20 is all I can afford for now.

That's the reason why I want to compare it with the U70, I feel that they are in the same class, no bass from the solid state devices.

As far as unbiased opinion, none of you guys can offer that (chuckling), I am more of an unbias person, since I've been using AVA equipment in my main system, but like to switch things out every now and then, that's what hifi's all about.

It'll just be a friendly amplifier comparison, and sharing the knowledge on different equipment, and nothing more.

festuss · « **Reply #16 on:** 17 Sep 2009, 01:00 am »

this thing costs how much? Nothing "super" about this horror. 21st century, this is like a proto type for a 1942 DuMont! http://home.earthlink.net/~ivol/audio/reviews/superamp/images/wiring_1200a.jpg

rcag_ils · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Sep 2009, 02:32 am »

Quote

this thing costs how much? Nothing "super" about this horror. 21st century, this is like a proto type for a 1942 DuMont! http://home.earthlink.net/~ivol/audio/reviews/superamp/images/wiring_1200a.jpg

I wasn't gonna reply to this, and I see what's coming.

Go take a look at the bottom view of a rusty Dyna modified U70, the super amp looks much better. Why didn't you show the top view? The top view may not fit your double standard, uh, uh...

Oh, this THING cost much lower than a U70. So it's a bargain.

I will not reply to anymore provoking comment, like to keep things civil, you know....

oneinthepipe · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Sep 2009, 03:14 am »

I am looking forward to your impressions of the U70.

modular747 · « **Reply #19 on:** 17 Sep 2009, 08:12 am »

Quote from: rcag_ils on 13 Sep 2009, 09:25 pm

Some how I have a feeling that the SET sound from my super amp may win.

This might be interesting if the AES-25 actually were an SET amp. In reality, it operates in push/pull configuration is both pentode (ultralinear) and triode mode. Read the specs. Maybe now that you know it's not an SET, you won't like the sound so much....