Unfortunately closing my eyes only works with audio.
I should shut up now. This is a family oriented site.
Back on topic. I've not met a 2a3 amplifier that was mushy or slow. I rather relish the clear, vivid and spacious presentation of the 2a3. I just never had the right speakers for them so I sold my one and only 2a3 integrated I had built by a local builder. I do remember that they didn't sound weaker than the 300B amp I had at the same time despite the tubes measuring strong for both and the 300B set at more than double the power. I felt the 2a3 handled transients better.
In the flesh, they look far better than the pictures, and they are far, far larger than I would have thought a 2A3 SET amp would be. And with the right type of music, the sound is seduction personified!
Overwhelmingly esthetics and and good sound have no direct correlation.
OTOH if you are going to charge 5 figures and ask Mike or Steve or Bruce for that matter to spend that much money and pace the product in their listening room and/or business it should have proper fit and finish.
Certainly the product has excellent fit and finish. Beauty however is in the eye of the beholder.
I have not seen Bruces' room.
Steves' room and Mikes' room could go on the cover of Archeological Digest or Home Theatre magazines. IMO you could use the existing photos they have already posted on the internet.
The blue light and face plate on the Pass amps are beautiful. I think the same could be said of the exotic finish on the Evolution Acoustics.
IMO the amp does not meet those standards. Perhaps you minimize costs by making it a project for a college industrial design class. Or maybe a contest.
This is certainly the designer's dilemma. I know Scott went through multiple woodworkers before finding someone who did work up to his standards.
OTOH, I've heard a number of audiophiles complain about spending excessive amounts on chassis 'bling'. I have heard this critique of my phono preamp from other audiophiles who have contacted me to inquire about them:
This is certainly the designer's dilemma. I know Scott went through multiple woodworkers before finding someone who did work up to his standards.
OTOH, I've heard a number of audiophiles complain about spending excessive amounts on chassis 'bling'. I have heard this critique of my phono preamp from other audiophiles who have contacted me to inquire about them:
OTOH, I've heard a number of audiophiles complain about spending excessive amounts on chassis 'bling'. I have heard this critique of my phono preamp from other audiophiles who have contacted me to inquire about them:.
When I first saw the DartZeel monoblocs last year I asked Herve' what percentage of the build is aesthetics? There was so much gold plating and things that I thought that just made the unit look "pretty". He never gave me a straight answer.
Having seen Mark’s preamps at RMAF, I wouldn’t describe them as “bling.” They look like 1930s retro gear to me. They scream out, “I’m old, I’m cool.” Or at least that is what they said to me when I saw them.
When I first saw the DartZeel monoblocs last year I asked Herve' what percentage of the build is aesthetics? There was so much gold plating and things that I thought that just made the unit look "pretty". He never gave me a straight answer.
Having seen Mark’s preamps at RMAF, I wouldn’t describe them as “bling.” They look like 1930s retro gear to me. They scream out, “I’m old, I’m cool.” Or at least that is what they said to me when I saw them.
Hi Scott
I've looked at your website and could not find any pics of the 2A3 amps. Was I missing a link? Please post a few pics if you have not done so.
Hi Scott
I've looked at your website and could not find any pics of the 2A3 amps. Was I missing a link? Please post a few pics if you have not done so.
Rich, this pic is the same as on page one of this thread. sorry this picture is not better. the wood on the amps blends into my maple floor and the cabinetry does not look as good in the pic as it does in person. i have some Box Furniture amp stands due to arrive next week, which are a dark hardwood. they should allow the amps to strut their stuff in pictures a bit better. when you finally move back to the left coast you will be able to enjoy listening to them.
In the flesh, they look far better than the pictures, and they are far, far larger than I would have thought a 2A3 SET amp would be. And with the right type of music, the sound is seduction personified!
thanks Gary. and in the last couple of days since your visit they have openned up more and gained grip. this morning's session with 3 hours of classical Lps spun on the NVS-Telos was other worldly wonderful. like a dream.
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