[Epic]

Hi guys,

I have the opportunity to go for either the ML 433(3x200w@8ohms) or the ML432(2x400w@8ohms).
I am currently using the Unifield 2 in a 3mx4m room with Bel Canto Ref 1000s. I have the aspiration to upgrade to the VR4 MK3 when i move my audio room to a larger premises, but that should be at least few years down the route.
Since the ML 433 and ML432 are pretty similar in prices, i am thinking which will be a good route to go.

Any users have any experiences with ML 433 or ML 432 power amps? especially on Unifield 2 or VR4 MK3 speakers?

Wondering if ML 433 or 432 will give the good sonics and quality like matching VSA speakers with Pass labs 250.5 or 350.5.

Looking forward to any comments...

Thank you in advance.

Cheers

[StereoNut]

Epic

I can't offer help with any experience with the Levinson amps and don't want to hijack the thread, but it made me think of a related question...

Does anyone know what amps Albert @ VSA uses to "voice" his speakers to begin with as he designs/builds them... and if so, does he use the same amps for all of his models "across the board"?

Thanks!
SN

[JackD201]

Hi Epic,

The 433 is the 3 channel version of the 431 which I still own. We went to show with the 432 some years back with the No.32 preamp and a Meittner modified Phillips SACD/CD player. Here's a pic. You can see the 431 on static display on the foreground.



The 431/433 is quick and punchy and very clear sounding. Not as dimensional as tube amps or hybrids but dead quiet and smooth. The 432 has a fuller more authoritative sound but curiously is a bit darker in tonal balance. For the SRs I much prefer the 432 but for 4 juniors the 431. Like I've got in my home HT here



Hope this helps

Jack
 

[Epic]

Hi Epic,

The 433 is the 3 channel version of the 431 which I still own. We went to show with the 432 some years back with the No.32 preamp and a Meittner modified Phillips SACD/CD player. Here's a pic. You can see the 431 on static display on the foreground.

The 431/433 is quick and punchy and very clear sounding. Not as dimensional as tube amps or hybrids but dead quiet and smooth. The 432 has a fuller more authoritative sound but curiously is a bit darker in tonal balance. For the SRs I much prefer the 432 but for 4 juniors the 431. Like I've got in my home HT here

Hope this helps

Jack

Hi Jack,

Thanks for the great info and pictures.... great help to me.

Sorry for the continuous questions, do you happen to compare or have any past experiences on ML432 vs. Pass 350.5 s' sound quality,imaging,sound stage etc powering VSA speakers(Unifield 2 or VR4 SRMK3 or similar series)?

Regards

[JackD201]

Hi Epic,

Unfortunately the Pass dealer stopped bringing in Pass amps before the X series came out. I did however own a pair of Aleph 0s which are I believe the grandaddies of the XA series. The Aleph 0s are great for VR-2s maxed out with lead shot. I believe distribution may be back soon. If I get a chance to borrow a pair of Xs I'll be sure to let you know my impressions.

One AC member I believe Loh uses Pass amps with his Mk3s. We should ask him He is also from Singapore by the way.

Jack

[JackD201]

Epic

I can't offer help with any experience with the Levinson amps and don't want to hijack the thread, but it made me think of a related question...

Does anyone know what amps Albert @ VSA uses to "voice" his speakers to begin with as he designs/builds them... and if so, does he use the same amps for all of his models "across the board"?

Thanks!
SN

As far as I know, Albert has many amps from budget amps to 5 figure amps which he uses to test his loudspeakers. The high-ish by industry standards sensitivity of the latter VRs make them very flexible amplifier wise. Here in AC alone we see members using anything from 845 Single Ended Parallel amps to bi-amped with big bruisers on their SRs. I don't think he uses any specific amp across the board. If I recall however your speakers were developed with the Spectron Musician on hand and also went to show with it.

All the best,

Jack

[Epic]

Jack, Thanks for the advise.. 

Cheers