Tube Amp Review Redux
Frank Z
Posts: 5,860
Catchy title for a thread ain't it?
Ive finally got my hands on a decent 2-channel tube amp! I purchased an Antique Sound Labs AQ-1002DT form Hoosier21 (AKA Russ). The amp came with 4 new Svetlana KT-88 tubes. Im using a Dared SL-2000-A tube pre-amp as well.
The amp arrived in perfect condition with all the tubes removed to prevent damage. Russ had even provided a drawing to help identify which tubes went where.
Ive listened to a variety of music on both the SDA-2bs and on the Lsi9s. Both have their strong points and I really liked what I heard from both. The SDAs sounded a little bit warmer with tubes than they did with my Pioneer Elite M-10x amp. I will say that although the sound is great, the highs seem to be little less detailed with the ASL amp than they were with the PE. There seemed to be a drop in the level of detail that I had heard previously. Mid and lower frequencies were fine with the SDAs providing and extremely wide sound stage. Imaging (placement of vocals and instruments) was as expected also. Bass notes were not hampered by the fact that this amp only cranks out 50w per channel, the passive radiator really helps with the low end. All in all a great combination!
The Lsi9s continue to surprise me. Their performance with the ASL amp was nothing short of stunning. I had to play around with the toe-in a bit to get the proper alignment but it was time well spent. Imaging was amazing! Although the sound stage was not as wide as the SDAs, the detail was better. As with my previous tube amp (aka P.O.S.- DIY) I have give credit to the Vifa tweeter in the 9s. Every piece of music that I listed to came through clear as a bell without even a hint of harshness or muddy bass. Piano music was reproduced flawlessly, violins didnt squeal, drumbeats were very distinct, bras and woodwinds were exceptionally sweet! Both male and female vocals were a joy to listen to as well.
Im going to have to try the ASL with my 15s one of these days, just to see how they do, but for the time being Ill switch back and forth between the 9s and the SDAs.
Hats off to Russ for selling me a great amp at a fair price!
I'll try to get some pics later.
Ive finally got my hands on a decent 2-channel tube amp! I purchased an Antique Sound Labs AQ-1002DT form Hoosier21 (AKA Russ). The amp came with 4 new Svetlana KT-88 tubes. Im using a Dared SL-2000-A tube pre-amp as well.
The amp arrived in perfect condition with all the tubes removed to prevent damage. Russ had even provided a drawing to help identify which tubes went where.
Ive listened to a variety of music on both the SDA-2bs and on the Lsi9s. Both have their strong points and I really liked what I heard from both. The SDAs sounded a little bit warmer with tubes than they did with my Pioneer Elite M-10x amp. I will say that although the sound is great, the highs seem to be little less detailed with the ASL amp than they were with the PE. There seemed to be a drop in the level of detail that I had heard previously. Mid and lower frequencies were fine with the SDAs providing and extremely wide sound stage. Imaging (placement of vocals and instruments) was as expected also. Bass notes were not hampered by the fact that this amp only cranks out 50w per channel, the passive radiator really helps with the low end. All in all a great combination!
The Lsi9s continue to surprise me. Their performance with the ASL amp was nothing short of stunning. I had to play around with the toe-in a bit to get the proper alignment but it was time well spent. Imaging was amazing! Although the sound stage was not as wide as the SDAs, the detail was better. As with my previous tube amp (aka P.O.S.- DIY) I have give credit to the Vifa tweeter in the 9s. Every piece of music that I listed to came through clear as a bell without even a hint of harshness or muddy bass. Piano music was reproduced flawlessly, violins didnt squeal, drumbeats were very distinct, bras and woodwinds were exceptionally sweet! Both male and female vocals were a joy to listen to as well.
Im going to have to try the ASL with my 15s one of these days, just to see how they do, but for the time being Ill switch back and forth between the 9s and the SDAs.
Hats off to Russ for selling me a great amp at a fair price!
I'll try to get some pics later.
Post edited by Frank Z on
Comments
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Reserved for future pics.
EDIT
This didn't quite work....what else is new?! -
Here's pic of the gear.
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...and here's the rest of the room.
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Frank,
Nice review. I know that you are somewhat pessimistic when it comes to wire but I strongly feel that you are at the point here where wire can make some noticeable difference in this system you have set up.
What kind of interconnects and speaker wire are you using?
Check out this review for example:
ATC has a great deal going on in the flea market for some Kimber Wire you might just want to check it out. Trust me! You can always sell it again if you don't think it did anything.
http://www.audience-av.com/REVIEW_985.pdf -
Frank,
Man, you gotta give those SDA's some room to breathe....More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD -
Tour,
It looks a lot worse than it really is. I'd love to have a dedicated 2 channel room, but that's out of the question at this point. -
Frank that room looks outstanding from what I can see and also passes the WAF I'm sure.
HBomb***WAREMTAE*** -
Henry must like that the pillows match the wing chairs...
Frank,
Understand that not every room can be an audio haven (though why, I'm just not sure). Mostly commenting on the SDA's proximity to the sidewalls.More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD -
you are correct on both counts H!
BTW, I do move the 9's out of the way when listening to the SDA's. -
Tour,
I understand what your saying. Someday I'll finish my basement and perhaps have second room for audio gear. Me and the First Lady will negotiate at length.;) -
Tour, I was actually thinking it would be fun to count how many nanoseconds it would take my 3 year old to totally trash the room:p
my guess is 5:D
HBomb***WAREMTAE*** -
Great review and set up Frank. Tubes didn't work out with my LSi9 because they didn't get enough juice. But it was awesome on classical and opera. Your 50/ch is plenty. Tube watts is suppose to be more than SS watts. Is that the amp you can set to run on triode operation? Does it really sound better in triode?
Maurice -
double post
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Originally posted by organ
Is that the amp you can set to run on triode operation?
No, That was the aforementioned P.O.S that I got off ebay.
