What speakers do you intend to drive with the VA 300?
You bet. They are a true value, and the performance is very good. I will be exhibiting with them in Munich if you will attend.Wow. They look very interesting.
Thanks for providing the link.
Well Dejan finally responded with Schematics, but in typical fashion (just like my Generators) the schematic is of another version of the Symmetrical that does not use the tube that I need to repair... lol... sheesh.. unreal.. It almost seems like every NAT piece is a one off. Like they just use whats on hand or what they want to test out or something. Ive compared photos inside the Symmetrical and they nearly all use different parts.
So I bought a KR Audio VA-300 with 842 VHD tubes in it just to get my feet wet. I've already talked to Marek about replacing OPT's to bump it up to 20W of the 320... Lets see how she sounds..
Yeah that seems to be NAT. My Plasma uses 6 PCC88s per channel whereas the last versions were using 2 6N30s per channel... go figure.
842VHDs would be quite limited in a VA300, which is designed for a normal 300B. I would think the power supply would be inadequate as well as the output trannies. You won't be running the 842 in its ideal conditions but I guess it will work. If you have KR 300Bs I would stick with those until you get mods done or you might not hear the amp as intended.
Yeah that seems to be NAT. My Plasma uses 6 PCC88s per channel whereas the last versions were using 2 6N30s per channel... go figure.
. . .
If true about NAT then that is disappointing. SpiritofMusic what say you? Does NAT just pull from the general parts bin as orders come in?
Hi Verastarr
Funny you ask about the Kronzilla.
I have two sets of VA 350i (one poweramp and one integrated) and they are both phaenomenal.
When I got the possibility to buy my dream amp, the Kronzilla, I took the chance, but I wasn't happy with the result. Both my VA 350i sounded more alive and resolving, while my Zilla sounded powerful and robust, but unfortunately a little dull. I was quite disappointed because the Zilla was supposed to sound better than the 350i, but it didn't. After all the Kronzilla is the top model, right? I thought that maybe something wasn't right with my Zilla.
Today I stuck in some replacement tubes and oh my, my Zilla finally sounds like I know and expected her to sound. The air and vividness of the 350i combined with the effortless power and the robustness of the Zilla before.
The original tubes obviously were tired and caused that dullness.
I'm one happy camper now
Hi Verastarr
Funny you ask about the Kronzilla.
I have two sets of VA 350i (one poweramp and one integrated) and they are both phaenomenal.
When I got the possibility to buy my dream amp, the Kronzilla, I took the chance, but I wasn't happy with the result. Both my VA 350i sounded more alive and resolving, while my Zilla sounded powerful and robust, but unfortunately a little dull. I was quite disappointed because the Zilla was supposed to sound better than the 350i, but it didn't. After all the Kronzilla is the top model, right? I thought that maybe something wasn't right with my Zilla.
Today I stuck in some replacement tubes and oh my, my Zilla finally sounds like I know and expected her to sound. The air and vividness of the 350i combined with the effortless power and the robustness of the Zilla before.
The original tubes obviously were tired and caused that dullness.
I'm one happy camper now
Basically I mean I intend to read more about them. perhaps DM.. I'm just wondering what will replace the NAT Generators..
M
That exact description happened to me with Zanden...it was in my case mellifluous but 'lite'. We changed all the tubes, particularly PSU tubes to Mullards (Amperex for signal) on the advice of Brent Jessee...and in a shoot out it gave up nothing on bass and growl relative to an Esoteric and a Audio Aero La Source...and this was before we stuck in the Zanden Transport, and added a whole load of isolation under and on top of the 4 Zanden boxes which have continued to solidify the signal and the impression of its delivery power/presentation.
changing tubes does certainly make a difference. Does the Kronzilla drive 'any' kind of load? Thinking about my Wilsons which are 95db efficient and around a 6ohm-70hm load across nearly the entire frequency other than a tad above 15khz where it dips to 3ohm.
Have a look at Aries Cerat Diana Forte. 60 watts of SET beast. Ayon Vulcan Evo is another to consider in addition to Kronzilla (supposedly the best sounding KR model is the VA680). Of course the current NAT SE2 using GM70 output tubes should be considered as well as Transmitter.
Yes it will drive your Wilsons effortlessly. I have tested VA350 on X1s (mkI and mkIII) and it was pretty awesome. All the big SETs mentioned will drive wilsons well.
Brad, does one or more of the Wavacs fit into this list? What about NAT Magma New? Viva Aurora?
How about this Thrax Spartacus DHT (70w) from Audio Union?: http://audio-union.com/Spartacus.php?cid=15
Which, theoretically, do you prefer? DHT push-pull or non-DHT but SET?
Brad, does one or more of the Wavacs fit into this list? What about NAT Magma New? Viva Aurora?
How about this Thrax Spartacus DHT (70w) from Audio Union?: http://audio-union.com/Spartacus.php?cid=15
Which, theoretically, do you prefer? DHT push-pull or non-DHT but SET?
Hi Ron,
I have heard only the WAVAC HE805 and that was sublime...it is rated at 45 watts so on paper it should have some drive capability but in reality I do not know. Haven't heard the Magma or Viva Aurora, although Viva has a reputation of have a rather "tubey" sound...I cannot confirm this.
(...)
Steve Williams Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator | Ron Resnick Site Co-Owner | Administrator | Julian (The Fixer) Website Build | Marketing Managersing |