Leema power amplifier

[aversaurus]

Hi I'm looking for someone who has or has had a listen to a Leema hydra mk1 power amplifier.
What do you use it with and how does it sound ?

 

[Al ears]

Hi I'm looking for someone who has or has had a listen to a Leema hydra mk1 power amplifier.
What do you use it with and how does it sound ?

in my opinion, and I don't have one, how it is going to sound will depend entirely on the preamp and source it is connected to.

 

[aversaurus]

Like all hifi I'm sure it will have its own characteristics

 

[Al ears]

Like all hifi I'm sure it will have its own characteristics

not on its own it won't.....

 

[aversaurus]

 

[plastic penguin]

Haven't heard one. However, I would suggest it'll need a better pre than the Pulse. It's usually matched with the Hydra dedicated preamp.

I would suggest a early Tucana is a better/cheaper option. When I had the MK2 it was sensational, and regret selling it

 

[plastic penguin]

On the auction site there is currently a power amp at £2250, and a Tucana MK1 for £1250 or best offer. Either one you need to budget for a phono stage

 

[aversaurus]

I've been offered a mark 1 hydra for £950 not a bad price .but as you say if the pulse pre amp is not up to the job that's that .the pre amp is £2500+ so well out of my price range.

 

[plastic penguin]

I've been offered a mark 1 hydra for £950 not a bad price .but as you say if the pulse pre amp is not up to the job that's that .the pre amp is £2500+ so well out of my price range.

The Pulse would be decent enough as a preamp, but you are matching entry-level integrated with a 5k new price power amp. Every component, however good will have it's limitations.

That said, at £950, it might be worth a punt. If you don't like it you could sell it on.

 

[bigfish786]

I've been offered a mark 1 hydra for £950 not a bad price .but as you say if the pulse pre amp is not up to the job that's that .the pre amp is £2500+ so well out of my price range.

at £950 it’s definitely worth a go. You’ll sell it for that (or more) should it not be for you.
pair it with the pulse for now, and keep an eye out for a used Pyxis on eBay.
the pulse amps are selling around 500, so you have a decent chunk as a deposit there.

 

[plastic penguin]

I've been offered a mark 1 hydra for £950 not a bad price .but as you say if the pulse pre amp is not up to the job that's that .the pre amp is £2500+ so well out of my price range.

Offered one by who? Is it a shop or a person you know? Reason for asking, can you not borrow it for a couple of days? I don't doubt it'll improve the sound but enough to shell out nearly a grand. And also will you speakers be good enough for a 5k component. Just as important, can you live with an extra box?

 

[aversaurus]

It's a offer from a seller on eBay it's the hydra mk1.
I can live with a extra box but it's not cheap .
What put me off is not that long ago I had the roksan k2 amp with separate power amplifier .
It did make a difference but not that much really for the out lay

 

[Al ears]

It's a offer from a seller on eBay it's the hydra mk1.
I can live with a extra box but it's not cheap .
What put me off is not that long ago I had the roksan k2 amp with separate power amplifier .
It did make a difference but not that much really for the out lay

If you're going for a power amplifier it is always best of you pair of with the equivalent preamp forget trying to use it with an integrated. Often the synergy isn't there and it's not particularly economic sense.

 

[plastic penguin]

If you're going for a power amplifier it is always best of you pair of with the equivalent preamp forget trying to use it with an integrated. Often the synergy isn't there and it's not particularly economic sense.

That's my thoughts. I would only use the Pulse (or any integrated) as a preamp for active speakers.

 

[aversaurus]

I will give it a miss

 

[plastic penguin]

I will give it a miss

Certainly worth a punt. Based on my experience, though, of using Arcam integrated amp as a pre for a Arcam power amp, I couldn't hear much difference, other than a very subtle improvement with midrange detail.

 

[aversaurus]

Well and truly put off the idea .
The offer has been rejected .
Would it have improved the sound ?
I will never know

 

[plastic penguin]

Well and truly put off the idea .
The offer has been rejected .
Would it have improved the sound ?
I will never know

Sorry about that. I did say it might be worth a punt, although purely based on my own experience, I don't think any integrated is great when used as a preamp.

It was just a honest opinion

 

[Tinman1952]

Sorry about that. I did say it might be worth a punt, although purely based on my own experience, I don't think any integrated is great when used as a preamp.

It was just a honest opinion

Agreed. Of course many believe it is actually the quality of the preamp which gives a system it's 'character'.
I remember years ago adding an Audio Research LS6 valve preamp to my Musical Fidelity amplifier....the difference/improvement was not subtle!

 

[plastic penguin]

Agreed. Of course many believe it is actually the quality of the preamp which gives a system it's 'character'.
I remember years ago adding an Audio Research LS6 valve preamp to my Musical Fidelity amplifier....the difference/improvement was not subtle!

Years ago I heard Roksan Caspian M1 pre & power. That sounded the dogs. Couldn't imagine it would sound anywhere near as good if you used a Caspian integrated as a preamp.

 

[aversaurus]

How about a Leema tucana mk1 for £1000 good deal ?

 

[plastic penguin]

How about a Leema tucana mk1 for £1000 good deal ?

Given it was originally £3500, I would say so. But you'll have to factor in a good phono stage. You are probably looking at around £1200.

 

[aversaurus]

Well it's hopefully on its way

 

[plastic penguin]

Well it's hopefully on its way

The Tucana? You rascal.

What happened to the Pulse "is a keeper"?

 

[aversaurus]

Hopefully I will get £500 or a bit more for the pulse .
So the tucana cost me £500 and its was a offer I couldn't refuse .
I really like the pulse it's an amazing amplifier