Perreaux amps

[Macspur]

So far, the Electrocompaniet EC5 MKii has come closest to the Sugden, just lacked that bit of sweetness and resolution. If the MF doesn't work for me, I will bide my time and try a pre/power combo from Electro.

Cheers

Mac

Tricky question...if the AMS does work for you, would you still be tempted to try the Pre/Power EC? :read:

The AMS sound is the same as the IA4 just better in every aspect :cheers:

A very good question Alex.

Truth is, I don't know... it really depends on how good the AMS sounds to me, plus it's condition and history.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

A very good question Alex.

Truth is, I don't know... it really depends on how good the AMS sounds to me, plus it's condition and history.

Cheers

Mac

FWIW, It has stopped my upgraditus (for an amp) in its tracks, and is the one part of my system that I would keep, if everything else had to be downgraded.....and (for my taste), it would take a huge budget to leave it for dead.

The only area that I would now consider upgrading is the source (ie. Klimax DS), but that isn't happening any time soon.

 

[Roby]

FWIW, It has stopped my upgraditus (for an amp) in its tracks, and is the one part of my system that I would keep, if everything else had to be downgraded

I really hope I get the same feeling when I get my amp....:roll:

 

[Macspur]

Well the MF AMS35I turned up today and O my word, what a brute of a machine!

I could have done with a forklift truck to shift it... seriously, it's the heaviest piece of HiFi gear I've ever had to lift.

Not only that, probably the most awkward! The heatsinks on either side are serrated and made it impossible for me to pick up that way, so had to grab from the front and back.

Before that, I noticed the rubber feet were disappointingly pretty well worn out, but unsurprisingly considering the weight they have to support.

Managed to just about fit it on my audio unit, but was seriously concerned if it would take the weight!

Anyway, all plugged in and been through a few CD's so far. Can't remember which one of you said it's like the Sugden but more of everything, probably Cno. Well, that about sums it up.

Will do a bit of switching between the 2 amps and take it from there.

Cno, one immediate pleasing aspect, base isn't an issue... perfectly controlled, no overhang or bloating.

Be back later.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Now the fun begins!

I wonder how long it will take for you to come under its spell......It should sound sublime between the Electro and the Harbeths.

Look forward to your thoughts when you have had time to formulate them.

Cno

Edit. If you decide to keep it, I've heard good things about these (given that the feet are worn): http://www.kronosav.com/products#ecwid:category=1570029&mode=product&product=7659100

 

[Macspur]

Hi,

Still early days and don't want to make a snap decision, but sadly this unit is not in the best condition... not only are the feet worn, there are a couple of small dents in the top grills.

Soundswise, the Sugden and the AMS aren't poles apart and I can see why Cno, if you had not bought the MF, it would have been the IA-4.

Back tomorrow.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Hi,

Still early days and don't want to make a snap decision, but sadly this unit is not in the best condition... not only are the feet worn, there are a couple of small dents in the top grills.

Soundswise, the Sugden and the AMS aren't poles apart and I can see why Cno, if you had not bought the MF, it would have been the IA-4.

Back tomorrow.

Cheers

Mac

The condition would worry me (it would take one hell of a thump to damage those grills). At least if you like it, but return it......you can bide your time till the right one comes up.

 

[Macspur]

Hi,

Still early days and don't want to make a snap decision, but sadly this unit is not in the best condition... not only are the feet worn, there are a couple of small dents in the top grills.

Soundswise, the Sugden and the AMS aren't poles apart and I can see why Cno, if you had not bought the MF, it would have been the IA-4.

Back tomorrow.

Cheers

Mac

The condition would worry me (it would take one hell of a thump to damage those grills). At least if you like it, but return it......you can bide your time till the right one comes up.

Must admit Cno, I think I'm of the same mind.

I have Emailed the dealer describing the damage and saying I hoped they were already aware of it. I thought it was wise, as the unit had come straight from another customer direct to me. So if there are any question marks, they wouldn't be pointed at me.

Cheers

Mac

 

[Roby]

Hi,

Still early days and don't want to make a snap decision, but sadly this unit is not in the best condition... not only are the feet worn, there are a couple of small dents in the top grills.

Soundswise, the Sugden and the AMS aren't poles apart and I can see why Cno, if you had not bought the MF, it would have been the IA-4.

Back tomorrow.

Cheers

Mac

The condition would worry me (it would take one hell of a thump to damage those grills). At least if you like it, but return it......you can bide your time till the right one comes up.

Must admit Cno, I think I'm of the same mind.

I have Emailed the dealer describing the damage and saying I hoped they were already aware of it. I thought it was wise, as the unit had come straight from another customer direct to me. So if there are any question marks, they wouldn't be pointed at me.

Cheers

Mac

I had the chance to listen to 2 different AMS amp's

An I don't know about the rubber feets, didnt really paied attention to it.

But on both model's I notice the 2 air grils on the top hat marks like the puxhed on it. So I don't know maybe it's a cosequence of the heat it,s generating is that it get deformed. :quest:

 

[Macspur]

Possibly Roby, although Cno hasn't mentioned it and I assume he's had his unitb for a while.

A bit surprised the feet weren't made from something a bit more substantial, considering the weight they have to support.

Still exploring the sound...

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Possibly Roby, although Cno hasn't mentioned it and I assume he's had his unitb for a while.

A bit surprised the feet weren't made from something a bit more substantial, considering the weight they have to support.

Still exploring the sound...

Cheers

Mac

Mine lets out settling cracks when turned off, but nothing else amiss. I have it placed on a granite worktop saver, and slide it about on that if necess.

Unless I'm very much mistaken, your ears are being served up quite a treat. I found that the extra detail it digs up is a pleasant surprise.

 

[Macspur]

Possibly Roby, although Cno hasn't mentioned it and I assume he's had his unitb for a while.

A bit surprised the feet weren't made from something a bit more substantial, considering the weight they have to support.

Still exploring the sound...

Cheers

Mac

Mine lets out settling cracks when turned off, but nothing else amiss. I have it placed on a granite worktop saver, and slide it about on that if necess.

Unless I'm very much mistaken, your ears are being served up quite a treat. I found that the extra detail it digs up is a pleasant surprise.

The two amps are pretty similar in sonic characteristics, but yes, the MF is that bit bolder and less polite than the Sugden. The detail one hears in the IA-4 is that bit more evident/pronounced and the base that bit tighter in the AMS.

My early thoughts are unsurprisingly very favourable, but I honestly feel the AMS deserves a bigger listening room than I can offer, in order to unleash it's true dynamics. I can only really listen to a fraction of what it really can produce in this small room, but when I do get a bit bolder with the volume control, the music just flows and crashes over you like a wave against the rocks... truly superb.

One thing it has done, being able to at last hear this amp, made me realise how good the Sugden really is and one I can live with for a while longer.

If this unit had been in better condition, I may well have convinced myself into keeping it, but with all that I've already mentioned and plus I think the heat it gives out,a lot hotter than even the Sugden, could be a real problem in the Summer months

in such a small area.

I now know what all the hype's about and this amp certainly will never be far off my radar... If the Electrocompaniet pre/power combo can top, or at least equal it, I will be truly amazed and not a little pleased if it could provide the same SQ without the heat.

For now, I will just enjoy myself for another few days.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

I can only really listen to a fraction of what it really can produce in this small room, but when I do get a bit bolder with the volume control, the music just flows and crashes over you like a wave against the rocks... truly superb.

I now know what all the hype's about and this amp certainly will never be far off my radar... If the Electrocompaniet pre/power combo can top, or at least equal it, I will be truly amazed and not a little pleased if it could provide the same SQ without the heat.

For now, I will just enjoy myself for another few days.

Cheers
Mac

I was going to suggest you take a dramatic piece of music and turn up the wick......but I see you've tried it. :bounce:

I think the mid-range of the IA-4 is slightly more lit up than that of the 35i, and imo slightly less natural.

I don't believe you will get quite the same presentation from any non Class A amp, though Lavardin and Electro come closer than most....though, like me, I think you will have difficulty moving to a different Class of amp.

When I first tried this amp, it managed to get under my skin more than I realized at the time....but I'm sure you will have greater resolve! >)

 

[Macspur]

Cno,

May I enquire where you got your granite work top saver from? I've been looking for some granite to place under my amp and CDP.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Cno,

May I enquire where you got your granite work top saver from? I've been looking for some granite to place under my amp and CDP.

Cheers

Mac

This is the one I got when Argos had a sale on (got it for £9):
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8407454.htm

Most supermarkets (eg.Sainsbury) do them;
.....and here's one for £10: http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1C1ASAA_enGB440GB440&biw=1366&bih=667&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&q=granite+worktop+saver&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=4214810778373837293&sa=X&ei=XP7ST-DuBNKk0AXHtqS8BA&ved=0CLcBEPMCMAA

and here http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/kitchen-utensils+gadgets/wilko-kitchen-work-top-saver-granite-black-40cmx30cm/invt/0262890/

 

[paradiziac]

Hi Mac,

Not sure what you're hoping to achieve with the granite. I found no sonic difference compared to a solid table, though it did improve things very slightly stacking a couple of tesco granite placemats on top of my Macmini (yes I know).

What has made a difference for me is a Musicworks acrylic platform, I just posted a separate thread on that. You might want to be careful using one under a monster Class A amp though!

 

[Macspur]

Cno,

May I enquire where you got your granite work top saver from? I've been looking for some granite to place under my amp and CDP.

Cheers

Mac

This is the one I got when Argos had a sale on (got it for £9): http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8407454.htm Most supermarkets (eg.Sainsbury) do them; .....and here's one for £10: http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&rlz=1C1ASAA_enGB440GB440&biw=1366&bih=667&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&q=granite+worktop+saver&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=4214810778373837293&sa=X&ei=XP7ST-DuBNKk0AXHtqS8BA&ved=0CLcBEPMCMAA and here http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/kitchen-utensils+gadgets/wilko-kitchen-work-top-saver-granite-black-40cmx30cm/invt/0262890/

Thanks for the links Cno, will check them out.

Is just one of them big enough to go under the AMS?

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks for the links Cno, will check them out.

Is just one of them big enough to go under the AMS?

Cheers

Mac

No, it takes two of them, giving a platform 60cm (w) x 40cm (d)

 

[Macspur]

Thanks for the links Cno, will check them out.

Is just one of them big enough to go under the AMS?

Cheers

Mac

No, it takes two of them, giving a platform 60cm (w) x 40cm (d)

Ah, guessed as much, just wanted to make sure, thanks again Cno.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Ah, guessed as much, just wanted to make sure, thanks again Cno.

Cheers

Mac

You're very welcome.

Still enjoying yourself?

 

[Macspur]

Ah, guessed as much, just wanted to make sure, thanks again Cno.

Cheers

Mac

You're very welcome.

Still enjoying yourself?

Certainly am, will be resolute though... it's just not in good enough condition to justify the expense... a real shame.

Cheers

Mac

 

[CnoEvil]

Certainly am, will be resolute though... it's just not in good enough condition to justify the expense... a real shame.

Cheers

Mac

If you don't mind me asking, how much are they asking for it (jn case I see something similar - does it have to be on a trade in basis)?

 

[Anatta]

Mac, why don't you home demo the Ayre integrated? It's not that expensive, not to mention Ayre amplifiers are highly regarded in the US.

 

[Macspur]

Mac, why don't you home demo the Ayre integrated? It's not that expensive, not to mention Ayre amplifiers are highly regarded in the US.

Any idea of any UK dealers that may do this?

Cheers

Mac

 

[Macspur]

Certainly am, will be resolute though... it's just not in good enough condition to justify the expense... a real shame.

Cheers

Mac

If you don't mind me asking, how much are they asking for it (jn case I see something similar - does it have to be on a trade in basis)?

Just under 3K... yes it would be a trade in, but no point even going down that road with this dealer for this unit.

To be honest Cno, the heat given off from the MF could seriously be a problem in this room.

Cheers

Mac