New amplifier: my long journey...

[CnoEvil]

Yes, that one! Already had the pleasure to exchange a couple of emails with Gary and they are willing to ship it VAT excluded which is perfect for me. Juts wondering if it's in mint condition or not as it's difficult to judge from photo. I will probbaly give them a call this week to see what's best deal they can offer me. As for now the offer I have now for an ex demo is not that far from the price they are selling it...

How long is the warranty on the AMS?

Thanks a lot Cno I really aprreciate!

They are very straightforward and should give an accurate description....and given how long it has been there, you should be able to bargain them down a bit. I haven't seen it, but I strongly suspect it's like new...as you say, give them a call.

The AMS series should have a 5 year warranty, but check it's transferable.

How does the plug and power rating work out for Belgium?

Are you ready to go for the 35i at this stage?.....A home demo from your local dealer should be very revealing, but that sort of ties you in.

 

[acalex]

Yes, that one! Already had the pleasure to exchange a couple of emails with Gary and they are willing to ship it VAT excluded which is perfect for me. Juts wondering if it's in mint condition or not as it's difficult to judge from photo. I will probbaly give them a call this week to see what's best deal they can offer me. As for now the offer I have now for an ex demo is not that far from the price they are selling it...

How long is the warranty on the AMS?

Thanks a lot Cno I really aprreciate!

They are very straightforward and should give an accurate description....and given how long it has been there, you should be able to bargain them down a bit. I haven't seen it, but I strongly suspect it's like new...as you say, give them a call. The AMS series should have a 5 year warranty, but check it's transferable. How does the plug and power rating work out for Belgium? Are you ready to go for the 35i at this stage?.....A home demo from your local dealer should be very revealing, but that sort of ties you in.

Yes I will give them a call soon to ask a few questions. Warranty might be a problem...and losing 4 years warranty since it's second owner wouldn't be very smart, don't you think? Plug here is different (I am anyway buying a proper power cable) but it's always 220V.

At this stage I am ready to be honest...especially after having listened to the M6i with ths APs and realised what a greatly matched system can do. I still want to make sure to demo both before taking any plunge. Every time I switch on the Jadis (even with RX6) it's anyway an amazing experience...emotions emotions emotions...it is getting ver hard to decide :wall:

 

[CnoEvil]

Yes I will give them a call soon to ask a few questions. Warranty might be a problem...and losing 4 years warranty since it's second owner wouldn't be very smart, don't you think? Plug here is different (I am anyway buying a proper power cable) but it's always 220V.

At this stage I am ready to be honest...especially after having listened to the M6i with ths APs and realised what a greatly matched system can do. I still want to make sure to demo both before taking any plunge. Every time I switch on the Jadis (even with RX6) it's anyway an amazing experience...emotions emotions emotions...it is getting ver hard to decide :wall:

Let me know how you get on; and if you ever get to the stage where you want to buy it...I'm happy to go and have a look on your behalf, if you are uneasy.

I would greatly hope the warranty is transferable (to Belgum?), otherwise I'd walk away...... If not, David might be in a position to get a special dispensation.

 

[acalex]

Yes I will give them a call soon to ask a few questions. Warranty might be a problem...and losing 4 years warranty since it's second owner wouldn't be very smart, don't you think? Plug here is different (I am anyway buying a proper power cable) but it's always 220V.

At this stage I am ready to be honest...especially after having listened to the M6i with ths APs and realised what a greatly matched system can do. I still want to make sure to demo both before taking any plunge. Every time I switch on the Jadis (even with RX6) it's anyway an amazing experience...emotions emotions emotions...it is getting ver hard to decide :wall:

Let me know how you get on; and if you ever get to the stage where you want to buy it...I'm happy to go and have a look on your behalf, if you are uneasy.

I would greatly hope the warranty is transferable (to Belgum?), otherwise I'd walk away...... If not, David might be in a position to get a special dispensation.

That would be very kind of you, thanks a lot! I will keep you posted...still have to see if my favourite dealer can give me the ex-demo price as it wasn't the same shop where I got that price! Indeed, if warranty is not transfereable than I would walk away for sure! It would be a shame if I don't get to buy the amplifier at my favorite dealer's shop but if price difference is substantial I would rather go for the best deal...

 

[acalex]

Indeed Gary is very helpful! He said the amp is in perfect condition (like new) but they can't lower the price as apparently they offered a trade-in offer to the customer who left the AMS35i. Still want to talk to them on the phone! This is one of your 2 favorite shops, right?

Ah, the warranty will continue as usual...

 

[CnoEvil]

Indeed Gary is very helpful! He said the amp is in perfect condition (like new) but they can't lower the price as apparently they offered a trade-in offer to the customer who left the AMS35i. Still want to talk to them on the phone! This is one of your 2 favorite shops, right?

Ah, the warranty will continue as usual...

Sorry for the late reply, but I was getting round to answering.

This is indeed one of my favorite dealers. I have always found them honest, knowledgeable and straight forward. They give good advice as they go for a long term relationship rather than a quick buck.

If you can't get a anything off, you might get a good mains cable thrown in (they were doing this as an offer for a while)

 

[acalex]

Indeed Gary is very helpful! He said the amp is in perfect condition (like new) but they can't lower the price as apparently they offered a trade-in offer to the customer who left the AMS35i. Still want to talk to them on the phone! This is one of your 2 favorite shops, right?

Ah, the warranty will continue as usual...

Sorry for the late reply, but I was getting round to answering.

This is indeed one of my favorite dealers. I have always found them honest, knowledgeable and straight forward. They give good advice as they go for a long term relationship rather than a quick buck.

If you can't get a anything off, you might get a good mains cable thrown in (they were doing this as an offer for a while)

Thanks for the answer! No problem, I know everybody is looking forward to get answers from you 🙂

Yeap, like this kind of approach...developing a long term relationship is the way to go. I might take home to try also the Lavardin IT while waiting for the AMS35i...let's see on Saturday

 

[acalex]

Tomorrow I will listen to the Lavardin IT with Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M (for Roby) and then with the Memento. If there is time I will maybe try to plug in the APs or the Living Voice. How would you assess the Lavardin IT in terms of sonic performance compared to the Jadis and MF?

 

[tino]

Does the Lavardin have a remote control? Could that be a deal breaker for you?

 

[acalex]

Does the Lavardin have a remote control? Could that be a deal breaker for you?

I am not sure. It would be convenient to have a remote control but I wouldn't say a deal breaker. But I REALLY have to love the sound to add another competitor to the struggle 🙂

 

[tino]

Does the Lavardin have a remote control? Could that be a deal breaker for you?

I am not sure. It would be convenient to have a remote control but I wouldn't say a deal breaker. But I REALLY have to love the sound to add another competitor to the struggle 🙂

Just checked the website ... for the IT is says "It is operated manually and has a line level source selection for up to four unbalanced inputs, no tape output and no phono facility."

So no phono stage for your turntable and no remote ... it would have to sound pretty good .. but I'm guessing it probably does

 

[acalex]

Does the Lavardin have a remote control? Could that be a deal breaker for you?

I am not sure. It would be convenient to have a remote control but I wouldn't say a deal breaker. But I REALLY have to love the sound to add another competitor to the struggle 🙂

Just checked the website ... for the IT is says "It is operated manually and has a line level source selection for up to four unbalanced inputs, no tape output and no phono facility."

So no phono stage for your turntable and no remote ... it would have to sound pretty good .. but I'm guessing it probably does

None of the amps I am contemplating have phono stage...planning to buy a separate phono preamp...probably a tube one.

 

[CnoEvil]

Tomorrow I will listen to the Lavardin IT with Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M (for Roby) and then with the Memento. If there is time I will maybe try to plug in the APs or the Living Voice. How would you assess the Lavardin IT in terms of sonic performance compared to the Jadis and MF?

The Lavardin is an exceedingly musical amp, which sounds fast and clean, if a little polite for some. It doesn't have the sheer drive and guts of the 35i, or the etherial quality and romantic character of the Jadis.

I think it may well sound its best with LV speakers, but I don't think it will tug at your heart strings, in the same way as the tube amp.

This thread is worth re-reading: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/ams-35i-lavardin-it

I'm looking forward to the next installment with baited breath.

 

[acalex]

Tomorrow I will listen to the Lavardin IT with Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M (for Roby) and then with the Memento. If there is time I will maybe try to plug in the APs or the Living Voice. How would you assess the Lavardin IT in terms of sonic performance compared to the Jadis and MF?

The Lavardin is an exceedingly musical amp, which sounds fast and clean, if a little polite for some. It doesn't have the sheer drive and guts of the 35i, or the etherial quality and romantic character of the Jadis.

I think it may well sound its best with LV speakers, but I don't think it will tug at your heart strings, in the same way as the tube amp.

This thread is worth re-reading: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/ams-35i-lavardin-it

I'm looking forward to the next installment with baited breath.

Thanks for your view! I also have the impression it would be a compromise between the MF and the Jaids...but you never know.

I am also looking forward to the next installement, in the meantime I already negotiated a 20% off the price for a brand new MF :cheer:

 

[CnoEvil]

I am also looking forward to the next installement, in the meantime I already negotiated a 20% off the price for a brand new MF :cheer:

....and I thought I got a good deal. :O

They obviously don't want to ship it back, now were in the teeth of a recession.

 

[acalex]

I am also looking forward to the next installement, in the meantime I already negotiated a 20% off the price for a brand new MF :cheer:

....and I thought I got a good deal. :O They obviously don't want to ship it back, now were in the teeth of a recession.

That's why it doesn't make too much sense for me take the 10 months old that was on website, including shipping cost it won't be much cheaper...and at least if something goes wrong I don't have to ship it back but I can take the car and in half an hour I am there!

 

[Macspur]

Tomorrow I will listen to the Lavardin IT with Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M (for Roby) and then with the Memento. If there is time I will maybe try to plug in the APs or the Living Voice. How would you assess the Lavardin IT in terms of sonic performance compared to the Jadis and MF?

The Lavardin is an exceedingly musical amp, which sounds fast and clean, if a little polite for some. It doesn't have the sheer drive and guts of the 35i, or the etherial quality and romantic character of the Jadis. I think it may well sound its best with LV speakers, but I don't think it will tug at your heart strings, in the same way as the tube amp. This thread is worth re-reading: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/ams-35i-lavardin-it I'm looking forward to the next installment with baited breath.

Hi Cno,

I think I'm destined to never hear the AMS... was going to demo it on Monday, but it was sold 2 days ago

Will be listening to some Krell combo and the Audio Research CD5 and I might, if poss, try and hear a Lavardin IS reference.

Here I go again butting in as usual!

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi Cno,

I think I'm destined to never hear the AMS... was going to demo it on Monday, but it was sold 2 days ago

My advice is not to buy anything until you hear one :read:

....though keep demoing and reporting in.

 

[acalex]

Hi Cno,

I think I'm destined to never hear the AMS... was going to demo it on Monday, but it was sold 2 days ago

A strong advise...just listen to amps you would be comfrotable buying. If you can stretch your budget to almost 7k eur for an amp than go ahead and listen to the AMS35i...otherwise I strongly advise you not to as it is very very dangereous. These kinds of products are impossible to forget once you listen to them. Since you own the Masterclass I guess you can't love the AMS35i!

Tried the Lavardin IS reference today! :rockout:

 

[CnoEvil]

Tried the Lavardin IS reference today! :rockout:

Well that's just teasing....what's the pecking order now, and what speakers were tried. :shifty:

 

[acalex]

Back from another afternoon of demo. Tried the Lavardin IS reference as the IT was out at a client's.

Connected first SF Cremona Auditor M and started playing with a Clearaudio Concept TT as a source. Very nice sound, plenty of details, fast and accurate. Very gente sound...maybe a little bit laid back. We also tried a couple of CDs which we brought along...sound was clean and precise...but maybe a little bit too laid back. We asked why and the guy decided to swap the speaker cable with a Lavardin one...and wow...such a night and day difference! Sound became much more live and involving. Still plenty of details but everything just took life (Lavardin cable are rather expensive as 2x2mt is around 2k eur). But this was a proof that right speaker cables MAKE an huge difference.

We started then playing with some CDs and vinyls, the Lavardin IS ref performed very well. Very musical, fast and accurate, plenty of details. Indeed it doesn't have the drive and bass of the AMS35 and the romance of the Jadis, but was a great pleasure to listen.

We then swapped the Cremona Auditor M with the SFG Memento and I realised why I loved so much those speakers! Everything improved, better bass but very controlled, more detail, more life....I am DEFINITELY buying those speakers.

We started with the Clearaudio Concept (1k eur mark) and swapped after a while to the Perfromance model (2.5eur mark). It was indeed another story, I thought it was worth the price difference, Roby wasn't very convinced. We kept playing and enjoying the Performance for a while before swapping to the Innovation (10k eur mark). It was slightly better...but certaintly not enough to justify 4 times the price. For me now the Performance is the one to beat...and of course on top of my list of TTs.

Next time it will be the Lavardin IT to try challenge the Jadis and the MF. Dream program is to have all three amps in house and connect them to the Memento...and enjoy. Looking forward to this moment, it will hopefully be very soon!

Also Living Voice, APs speakers and SFs Liuto will be connected next time to the Lavardin amp...there wasn't enough time today :wall:

 

[CnoEvil]

Lavardin are a unique company, and being French, do things their own way (no bad thing). There is no doubt that they sound best with their own mains cable and very expensive I/C and S/C....really needs to be part of the package (as you heard).

Glad you had a good day.

 

[acalex]

Lavardin are a unique company, and being French, do things their own way (no bad thing). There is no doubt that they sound best with their own mains cable and very expensive I/C and S/C....really needs to be part of the package (as you heard). Glad you had a good day.

Yes, it was the most impressive difference I heard so far...swapping from 300 eur cables to 2k eur it was a MASSIVE improvement in sound quality...I agree with you, that must be considered part of the package for sure!

I had an excellent day, pity there wasn't much time as I had another meeting in Brussels! But as usual got back with a nice bottle of red wine Barolo (the guy also sells wine imported strictly from Italy) 😀

 

[Macspur]

Lavardin are a unique company, and being French, do things their own way (no bad thing). There is no doubt that they sound best with their own mains cable and very expensive I/C and S/C....really needs to be part of the package (as you heard). Glad you had a good day.

Yes, it was the most impressive difference I heard so far...swapping from 300 eur cables to 2k eur it was a MASSIVE improvement in sound quality...I agree with you, that must be considered part of the package for sure!

I had an excellent day, pity there wasn't much time as I had another meeting in Brussels! But as usual got back with a nice bottle of red wine Barolo (the guy also sells wine imported strictly from Italy) 😀

Like your style... my God what a shop!

 

[CnoEvil]

But as usual got back with a nice bottle of red wine Barolo (the guy also sells wine imported strictly from Italy) 😀

You Sir, without a doubt, have the life (even a gf that appreciates beautiful hi-fidelity)...what more could a man wish for.