deHavilland Verve Preamplifier

earlmarc · « **on:** 1 Apr 2004, 12:52 am »

I spoke with Kara Chafee, the designer of the Verve preamplifier, about the synergy of their preamplifier with digital amplifiers. She stated she had customers with digital amplifiers that are astonished about how well her preamps work with digital amplifiers. She e-mailed me the e-mails they received from a customer who has a Spectron III amplifier. This customer could not believe the sound he was getting using the Verve with the Spectron. Kara explained that the Verve projects a huge 3D soundstage that is so real its spooky. She said the the sound of the Verve is not Classic tube. The Verve is quick and dynamic like a solid state with bass that's on par with the best solid state preamplifiers. Yet the Verve has a airy and natural presense that expands the soundstage like tubes. She concluded by saying the Verve is built like a power amplifier and that expalins its unigue abilities. Dick Olser at enjoythemusic.com has posted a review on the UltraVerve preamplifier. Well, when I get my Carver ZR-1600 back from Steve at Empirical Audio you better believe I'm going to addition this preamp with it.

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:02 am »

I might have to make another oppointment with Roop to hear his system now that he has (or is soon to have) the Spectron MIII and deHavilland gear. I have the lowly Spectron MII in my system but have had great experience with good tube pre's and this amp, except for when a tube is even slightly microphonic and then the 10hz pole comes into play and things become frustrating, but that is another story altogether.

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:28 am »

earlmarc, I'm the person Kara is speaking of. I have the deHavilland SuperVerve and the Spectron Musician III. They are FANTASTIC together in my system. There synergy & Sound is pure music.

earlmarc · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:35 am »

Darth Audio, what speakers are you using with your Spectron and Verve? I have Maggie MG1.6QRs. I can't wait to get my amp back from Steve. I know he will nail this mod.

earlmarc · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:43 am »

Sorry Darth, should have noticed you offered your system.

rkapadia@ROOP · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:53 am »

If you're near NYC, you can stop by to listen to the Ultraverve paired with the Musician III on a VMPS system, or always bring your own speakers.

Regards,

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:59 am »

Rupesh, How do you like the deHavilland/Spectron Combo?

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 01:04 pm »

If you want to try a "Special" tube for the UltraVerve, get the Kenrad CKR 6SN7 VT-231. The tube is a NOS 1943 6SN7. It's the only tube they suggest changing. Here is a link for the website where I bought mine.

http://store.electron-valve.com/

OBF · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 04:31 pm »

Does the Spectron have a high input impedance for a digital amp?

JoshK · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 05:13 pm »

yeah, it is 50K

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 05:17 pm »

Here's another point of view for the deHavilland preamp.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0404/dehavilland.htm

tvyankee · « **Reply #11 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 06:03 pm »

Whats a good price for one?

Does it come with a remote?

Does anyone know if it sounds better then a AR LS-16MK11?

Thanks.

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 06:06 pm »

There web site has all the prices and options.

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/

zybar · « **Reply #13 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 06:15 pm »

What doesn't sound better than the AR LS-16?

Sorry, not a big fan of AR in general and the LS-16 specifically.

IMHO, there are many preamps for less money (list - not used) that sound better than the LS-16 (in direct comparisons):

MiniMax
AVA T7
Audio Note M2
Manley Shrimp

If you bring in used the list can get really big!

George

tvyankee · « **Reply #14 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 06:31 pm »

Zybar.

Have you heard both preamps?

zybar · « **Reply #15 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 06:38 pm »

I have heard all preamps I listed but the Ultraverve (which I am trying to get in for an audition).

George

tvyankee · « **Reply #16 on:** 1 Apr 2004, 06:46 pm »

Where in new york city is Roop Audio?

I would like to hear that preamp.