Stellavox Introduces a New State of the Art Amplifier IDEM Monoblocks

[Steve Williams]

I've been aware of Stellavox bringing a new state of the art amplifier to the audio world for several months now, initially in a mono block version and a soon to be released stereo version as well.The new StellaDac is also soon to be released I have the opportunity to audition these in my home and form all accounts this is a very special amplifier.

I do have another event coming up at the end of this month but plans are underway for me to host an event featuring these new amps and even though I'm known as a tube nut and a Lamm devotee, my interest has been sufficiently piqued by independent comments and observations about this amp that I say to stay tuned here for further information about such an event at my house

also members here at WBF from Hong Kong are raving about it after Audio Exotics in Hong Kong have been demoing it since July. They use it as their reference with Goebel and Cessaro loudspeakers - This suggests that the amp is extremely special for both inefficient as well as very efficient speakers.

AudioArts in NYC has been selected as the North American Distributor for Stellavox so stay tuned here for some very special announcements

 

[fbhifi]

Steve, How is it that you would characterize Goebel speakers as inefficient?

Certainly, the Divin line is highly efficient!

 

[Steve Williams]

great question and I can see the misundertanding

My point is that they are using high powered Stella as amps for high efficiency horns - not tubes

 

[fbhifi]

great question and I can see the misundertanding

My point is that they are using high powered Stella as amps for high efficiency horns - not tubes

??????????

 

[Steve Williams]

the horns are very efficient and typically are played with tube amp. The horn is a more efficient speaker than the Goebel

So using inefficient as the adjective was an incorrect descriptor on my part with out clarification

HTH

 

[fbhifi]

the horns are very efficient and typically are played with tube amp. The horn is a more efficient speaker than the Goebel

So using inefficient as the adjective was an incorrect descriptor on my part with out clarification

HTH

Thanks for the explanation, I now understand your train of thought.

 

[Steve Williams]

Thanks for the explanation, I now understand your train of thought.

it's a bitch getting old. Those senior moments ..........

 

[Stereophonic]

Really impressive amps !!!

 

[gds7368]

Class A/B?

 

[Elliot G.]

Really impressive amps !!!

View attachment 159901

View attachment 159902

they may be but that picture is in Mainland China not in HK. I believe its Peking if I am not mistaken. The Divin Majestics with custom made floor wings so that the weight of the speakers were distributed over a wider area as that is a second floor

Have you actually heard them?

 

[Billygxx]

Based on reports by Gideon that these amps left him breathless and haunted by the sound I committed to the purchase.
There was another component to the story and that was their new DAC.
Gideon, a very long time analog devotee, was struck by his first ever experience preferring digital to analog and he has heard a gigantic cross section of digital components. Stellavox was brave enough to do a direct comparison between their much vaunted model 9 reel to reel and their new DAC. He felt strongly that he preferred the sound of the DAC to direct reel to reel recordings. Gideon is a person generally NOT bound by hyperbole. He is convinced the DAC is a breakthrough product. Steallavox is a unique team whose products are spawned by accomplished musicians who also happen to be engineers. Of course the truth lies in listening. There is another thread discussing how do you know when you are done. Well for me, if digital has attained the quality of reel to reel, I am done.

they may be but that picture is in Mainland China not in HK. I believe its Peking if I am not mistaken. The Divin Majestics with custom made floor wings so that the weight of the speakers were distributed over a wider area as that is a second floor

Have you actually heard them?

 

[pk_LA]

I am still patiently waiting for the comparison between the 159s, the 717s and the Stellavox amps. Hopefully in words that are more tangible than 'haunted' or 'breathless'.

 

[pk_LA]

Based on reports by Gideon that these amps left him breathless and haunted by the sound I committed to the purchase.
There was another component to the story and that was their new DAC.
Gideon, a very long time analog devotee, was struck by his first ever experience preferring digital to analog and he has heard a gigantic cross section of digital components. Stellavox was brave enough to do a direct comparison between their much vaunted model 9 reel to reel and their new DAC. He felt strongly that he preferred the sound of the DAC to direct reel to reel recordings. Gideon is a person generally NOT bound by hyperbole. He is convinced the DAC is a breakthrough product. Steallavox is a unique team whose products are spawned by accomplished musicians who also happen to be engineers. Of course the truth lies in listening. There is another thread discussing how do you know when you are done. Well for me, if digital has attained the quality of reel to reel, I am done.

I don't doubt they are really good.

But, I also caution making a purchase decision based on a dealer's words. I also hear you when you say that Gideon is not prone to hyperbole. But, how then would you categorize words like "haunted," or, "breathless?" In my experience dealers sell their portfolio. I always find it curious when I ask a dealer what product they don't sell that they consider incredible...[insert sound of crickets]

 

[pk_LA]

Is there a website or other where we can find the details and specification of the amplifier?

 

[Audioarts]

Welcome Stellavox to the WBF family and happy to consolidate all previous interest in one place.

As Billy thoughtfully described, my aural loyalties were always with vinyl and tape, so much so that I wrote books on turntable design (not that cd player design merited a tome...) and magnetic tape history, indicated in my signature below. Naturally that sentiment brought me to the Stellavox TD9 reel to reel which has always been my favorite, even preferring over the fine Studer-Revox, Ampex, Akai, Tandberg and countless others I enjoyed over the years. The TD9 just had this way of immersing me for hours on end, with an immediacy and timing that made everything sound so linear yet beautiful.

Fast forward to this past July when I heard that Stellavox was in the midst of launching a portfolio of high end products, compelling me to visit the people behind and facility in Mendrisio, Switzerland. There I met CEO Stephan Schertler and his team of pro audio and musicianship backgrounds. Stephan, for those who don't know, is a go to entity for much of the Swiss high end culture...., companies seeking tech and collaboration.

After a tour of the expansive facility where all R&D and manufacturing takes place, I was ushered into a listening room with multiple TD9's set up serving as source, along with the proto of their forthcoming DAC - feeding the new IDEM monoblocks. Billy already described my listening impressions - so I will only add that the sound represented everything I yearn for in audio reproduction. Of course its my brand and I'm vested so I will rely on your ears and comments to validate my utter shock. Like my other imported brands Zellaton and Schnerzinger, I hope that audiophiles and music lovers will come to see what these Swiss gems are capable of.

Clients on these pages (and off) are taking delivery shortly and I trust they will post as they deem appropriate.

Myles Astor currently has a set of these powering his own Zellaton's and we recently listened to his simply amazing tapes through the Stella's. I urge anybody seeking a musical education along with eclectic musical tastes to go listen by him - it's an incredible treat.

Gideon

Author:
HiFi: The History of High End Audio Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/hi-fi-the-history-of-high-end-audio-design-9780714878089/

Revolution: The History of Turntable Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/revolution-the-history-of-turntable-design-9781838665616/

 

[Billygxx]

My choice of words breathless and haunted were to convey that someone who has heard EVERYTHING, and sells both Soulution and Burmeister since you referenced those brands, was genuinely moved by the experience of hearing Stellavox. He would make just as much money selling a 717 or two 159s. Since I listen to music for the emotional experience, I appreciate a strong emotional response. Not to mention terminology like sound stage, clarity, detail, tight, sibilant, resonant, lush, fast, natural, vibrant, bright, balanced, warm or whatever your favorite descriptor are entirely subjective and have an completely different meaning to each of us. When it comes to dealers, I know dozens and have purchased hundreds of pieces of gear so I think I have a sense of what to trust. And at least half the dealers I know recommend gear that they don’t sell. My best friend happens to be a distributor and he certainly appreciates gear he doesn’t sell. Gideon’s classy response above says it all-bring em on and listen!

 

[Audioarts]

I am still patiently waiting for the comparison between the 159s, the 717s and the Stellavox amps. Hopefully in words that are more tangible than 'haunted' or 'breathless'.

That's a great question and I apologize for the late reply. Each amplifier you mentioned has its own merits. I have the Soulution 717 in the showroom and did a show (Pacific Audio Fest) with the Burmester 159's powering Zellaton loudspeakers:

Burmester 159: Panzer division tanks capable of cracking the cement foundation of your home. The manner in which they control a speaker is unparalleled and power delivery is the most confidence inspiring experience these ears have heard. The immediacy, attack and presence in the power range is really something special and reminds me of Symphonic Line Kraft, Krell KSA/KMA or Cello Performance brand of pure power delivery. That's not to say they aren't capable of beauty, which they are. Burmester is known for a prettier sounding SS amp and top end has a sweetness yet immediacy that makes them so lauded. Clients here have partnered Burmester with Zellaton and of course other brands, and it has a pedigree/brand loyalty that can't be dismissed or ignored.

Soulution 717: In the showroom now in constant rotation, the absolute finest to emerge from these Swiss masters. They are clearly bottom up and tonally on the darker side of the spectrum with an integrity in the midrange that is incredibly seductive. The bass performance is fast, tight yet very breathable and tonally spot on. Definitely more tonally dense and colorful when compared to older Soulution designs that could, at times, err on the dry side of life, somewhat lacking in warmth and musical touch. The new 717 now deviates from the cerebral to emotional connection, hence my admiration.

Stellavox IDEM: This is where it gets interesting and difficult for me..., so I'll start by saying that I could easily see how many audiophiles would prefer the Burmester or Soulution. In a second. The reason I say this is because the Stellavox amps have no sound at all - and for many, can fail to impress (at first). Understanding their beauty takes a counterintuitive approach as they are the most natural and liquid amps I've yet to experience. Of course they are limitless in terms of dynamics, power, control and other audiophile parameters, but where they really distinguish from others is the sheer unforced quality that allows every note, instrument and musical interplay to come through so effortlessly and with incredible delicacy. They remind me of true pure class A designs like older Levinson ML2, Threshold 12e, original Accuphase Class A, or even an 80's a/b Goldmund Mimesis 3 but with the liquidity of a Futterman OTL powering Quad 57s. So in other words, very elegant and seamless that has a way of drawing one in - as opposed to fireworks that can excite at first but fatigue later. In this sense, they are quite unique.

Concluding, these are all statement amps that appeal to subjective tastes. In the end only you know what you hear (and feel). I have them set up in the showroom and I welcome all members to come and listen.

Steve is generously planning a Stellavox event at his home which will partner with his Zellaton's. So once that date is locked in, we welcome all West Coast member to listen and judge for themselves.


Gideon

Author:
HiFi: The History of High End Audio Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/hi-fi-the-history-of-high-end-audio-design-9780714878089/

Revolution: The History of Turntable Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/revolution-the-history-of-turntable-design-9781838665616/

 

[pk_LA]

That's a great question and I apologize for the late reply. Each amplifier you mentioned has its own merits. I have the Soulution 717 in the showroom and did a show (Pacific Audio Fest) with the Burmester 159's powering Zellaton loudspeakers:

Burmester 159: Panzer division tanks capable of cracking the cement foundation of your home. The manner in which they control a speaker is unparalleled and power delivery is the most confidence inspiring experience these ears have heard. The immediacy, attack and presence in the power range is really something special and reminds me of Symphonic Line Kraft, Krell KSA/KMA or Cello Performance brand of pure power delivery. That's not to say they aren't capable of beauty, which they are. Burmester is known for a prettier sounding SS amp and top end has a sweetness yet immediacy that makes them so lauded. Clients here have partnered Burmester with Zellaton and of course other brands, and it has a pedigree/brand loyalty that can't be dismissed or ignored.

Soulution 717: In the showroom now in constant rotation, the absolute finest to emerge from these Swiss masters. They are clearly bottom up and tonally on the darker side of the spectrum with an integrity in the midrange that is incredibly seductive. The bass performance is fast, tight yet very breathable and tonally spot on. Definitely more tonally dense and colorful when compared to older Soulution designs that could, at times, err on the dry side of life, somewhat lacking in warmth and musical touch. The new 717 now deviates from the cerebral to emotional connection, hence my admiration.

Stellavox IDEM: This is where it gets interesting and difficult for me..., so I'll start by saying that I could easily see how many audiophiles would prefer the Burmester or Soulution. In a second. The reason I say this is because the Stellavox amps have no sound at all - and for many, can fail to impress (at first). Understanding their beauty takes a counterintuitive approach as they are the most natural and liquid amps I've yet to experience. Of course they are limitless in terms of dynamics, power, control and other audiophile parameters, but where they really distinguish from others is the sheer unforced quality that allows every note, instrument and musical interplay to come through so effortlessly and with incredible delicacy. They remind me of true pure class A designs like older Levinson ML2, Threshold 12e, original Accuphase Class A, or even an 80's a/b Goldmund Mimesis 3 but with the liquidity of a Futterman OTL powering Quad 57s. So in other words, very elegant and seamless that has a way of drawing one in - as opposed to fireworks that can excite at first but fatigue later. In this sense, they are quite unique.

Concluding, these are all statement amps that appeal to subjective tastes. In the end only you know what you hear (and feel). I have them set up in the showroom and I welcome all members to come and listen.

Steve is generously planning a Stellavox event at his home which will partner with his Zellaton's. So once that date is locked in, we welcome all West Coast member to listen and judge for themselves.


Gideon

Author:
HiFi: The History of High End Audio Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/hi-fi-the-history-of-high-end-audio-design-9780714878089/

Revolution: The History of Turntable Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/revolution-the-history-of-turntable-design-9781838665616/

Great writeup - thank you!

 

[Audioarts]

Is there a website or other where we can find the details and specification of the amplifier?

All the media and information is currently with our web developers and is going to go live shortly. We were hoping to have it ready earlier but alas, were delayed. My apologies and will drop a note once it's all up and running. The Stellavox team is also quite busy on the pro side but I promise soon.

The IDEM monoblocks are the first product to be launched with the stereo amplifier to follow in December with DAC and preamplifier subsequently. I will discuss the much anticipated DAC in a separate post as Stellavox digital technology and history, going back to the Stelladat, has all influenced the design and inspiration of the current DAC.

Gideon

Author:
HiFi: The History of High End Audio Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/hi-fi-the-history-of-high-end-audio-design-9780714878089/

Revolution: The History of Turntable Design
https://www.phaidon.com/store/design/revolution-the-history-of-turntable-design-9781838665616/

 

[Kbh57]

Certainly, we all should make our own choices but one of those choices is who we are going to rely on in this business unless you have a degree of expertise that relatively few actually possess. I read voraciously about audio matters, listen to as much equipment as I can, and learn from smart people on WBF. There are limits, however, to how far that takes you. I'm not a pro. I've bought from other dealers that I liked, still like them, and trusted, still trust them, but came to realize they didn't know all that much more than me. If you are the smartest man in the room, you are in the wrong room, some wise man said.

I met Gideon completely by accident and got very interested in Zellaton Plural Evos. I heard what Gideon had to say about them and was very impressed with him and the speakers. I then researched Gideon as much as I researched Zellaton because I didn't want a one off transaction, I wanted an ongoing relationship of trust because, like all of you, the music is important to me-brings me peace. And, truth be told, this stuff is a lot of money, Gideon was far away, I didn't know him, and he has very little in common culturally (he has culture-I don't) with an old boy who grew up in the woods of Kentucky.

What I found is that he is someone who is very serious about high quality reproduction of music, system building, and the joy it can bring his clients if done right.That's not true of everyone who sells boxes. I found he's even written a books on the subject-I bought one. He's been interviewed by the Library of Congress- I've attached that (I hope). I was impressed by that, I mean who can say they've done that? And I asked a lot of questions. In 40+ years of litigation I've questioned hundreds of people under oath, many of them experienced and skillful liars, so you develop a pretty good BS detector. I determined that this man has a level of expertise beyond any dealer I've bought from, but also that he listened to me and cared about what I was trying to accomplish.

Everything he said made sense to me and, based largely on his advice, I ended up buying the Zellatons. That has been the single best audio purchase I've ever made. Since then, I've bought amplification and a vinyl front end. Gideon has been in my home-the installations are superb. I say all that to say that for folks like me who are looking for a trusted advisor, not just a transaction, its important to understand what you are getting beyond the black box. I tried to do that and its worked out for me. I wouldn't buy an expensive piece ONLY on his word without doing my own research and if he just didn't have what I really felt was best for my situation I'd consider other options. There is comfort, however, in having such a high degree of expertise at my disposal and I'd sure accord his point of view considerable deference.

So, the point I'm inartfully making is that for me the product and the team behind it are an inextricably intertwined package. Obviously, I've had a great experience with Audioarts, but this is really about a logical process for system building. I know there are other very high quality people in this business, many of them on WBF. I enjoy the comments of many of the dealers on WBF and learn from them. I'm sure they have scores of happy clients and offer great service. And that's really the point- Expertise+Integrity+Product=Success.