Stellavox Introduces a New State of the Art Amplifier IDEM Monoblocks

[caesar]

I believe both Jimbo Hannon and Valin from the Analytical Sound raved about the Zellaton speakers. They used conrad johnson and soulution, respectively, if i recall correctly, or did Jim Bohannon use Air Tight? I enjoyed them also, and I usually HATE box speakers. But they couldn't rock. Can these Stellavox amps make Zellatons rock, or is it just the wrong technology?

 

[Elliot G.]

I have no idea what the amps sound like or whether they rock but according to this post you will be “breathless and haunted” which is perfect since Halloween is just a few weeks away!

 

[AudioLibertarian]

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/

Prices? Thanks.

 

[Lee]

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.

May The Schwartz Be With You!

 

[matthias]

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.

Very much looking forward to it

 

[Stereophonic]

Prices? Thanks.

100000 CHF

 

[analogsa]

Class A/B?

Cannot be class A at any meaningful power with those heatsinks. Perhaps up to a few watts only.

 

[analogsa]

If its a copy of either the Nagra or the Dartzeel is that bad?

A copy in what sense? General form factor?

The Stellavox had me gaping at the pic for a good quarter hour. What a marvel of design!

 

[Audioarts]

May The Schwartz Be With You!

You have no idea how many times I’ve heard that in the course of my life - thanks Mel…..

 

[Audioarts]

Great writeup - thank you!

My pleasure. Lmk if you have other questions -

Gideon

 

[Audioarts]

100000 CHF

Price in USD is $149,750 for both. Once the forthcoming Stellavox products are released, those respective prices will be published.

Prices? Thanks.

 

[spiritofmusic]

CH Precision seems to have won the Swiss Amp wars. Analytical as hell to me, but what do I know? Looks like CH has hired the wilson marketing guy, Jon Giolias. Watch out!!

How big and heavy are these new Stella amps? How many boxes are needed to get to TOTAL NIRVANA? And how many for ULTIMATE NIRVANA?

Most importantly, old rich guys seem to like to get off on the app that controls the CH amps. Do these Stella amps have an app to control the amps?

Just heard a full suite of CH P, monoblocks bi-wiring Stenheim Ultime Ref 2 spkrs..."analytical as hell" is exactly the opposite impression I got from a few hours exposure.

 

[Audioarts]

Cannot be class A at any meaningful power with those heatsinks. Perhaps up to a few watts only.

I posted specs along with a technical summation here: https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/stellavox-idem-mono-block-gallery.41479/

 

[caesar]

Just heard a full suite of CH P, monoblocks bi-wiring Stenheim Ultime Ref 2 spkrs..."analytical as hell" is exactly the opposite impression I got from a few hours exposure.

I wish I was there with you to hear this, Spirit. I’ve heard CH with Steinheim many, many times different models in many different rooms. My conclusion is the same: Steinheim may best of the box brands, especially the Wilson and the Magico, and other such well marketed hifi dreck . But It’s still somewhat analytical to horns. I find their two ways much better than their bigger brothers and sisters. Yet For emotional satisfaction, I would take the Zu audio dirty weekend, with a set amp anytime.


But Like I said, wish we could hang out and listen to the system.

Just heard a full suite of CH P, monoblocks bi-wiring Stenheim Ultime Ref 2 spkrs..."analytical as hell" is exactly the opposite impression I got from a few hours exposure.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I wish I was there with you to hear this, Spirit. I’ve heard CH with Steinheim many, many times different models in many different rooms. My conclusion is the same: Steinheim may best of the box brands, especially the Wilson and the Magico, and other such well marketed hifi dreck . But It’s still somewhat analytical to horns. I find their two ways much better than their bigger brothers and sisters. Yet For emotional satisfaction, I would take the Zu audio dirty weekend, with a set amp anytime.


But Like I said, wish we could hang out and listen to the system.

Caesar, I believe this may all be contingent on setup, and that many rooms get it wrong.
The owner of this system that has comprehensively bowled me over pretty much relates to me that Stirling Trayle brought out the very best.
It's possible I could hate CH P on Stenheims in another room.

 

[caesar]

I have no idea what the amps sound like or whether they rock but according to this post you will be “breathless and haunted” which is perfect since Halloween is just a few weeks away!

Interesting language. Guys imagine whatever they want to imagine in this hobby. Platonism at its best.

And there’s always an expert / authority figure who markets themselves as the wizard, the messiah, the one and only - who has discovered something new that other mere mortals are just not aware of. And many audiophiles take the bait- and feel special for 6-12 month - until reality sinks in. And something Better comes along.

Is Roy Gregory doing a review of these?

Wasn’t Pillium marketed as the new BEST, just a few years ago?

With that said, would be curious to hear these amps compared to others.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I've also not heard a horn yet that talks to me fully consistently, and this Stenheim demo only brought that home to me even more obviously.
Sure, Audiophile Bill's horns were stellar and lacking any obvious flaws, but I think I'd take the Stenheims right now (major caveat...*only* if I could guarantee they'd sound like they did yesterday, lol).

 

[caesar]

How much current do these amps have?

Can they drive anything? MBL? Old Apogee? Or will they melt into into an orange /: mustard colored puddle of goo when subjected to stress?

 

[caesar]

Caesar, I believe this may all be contingent on setup, and that many rooms get it wrong.
The owner of this system that has comprehensively bowled me over pretty much relates to me that Stirling Trayle brought out the very best.
It's possible I could hate CH P on Stenheims in another room.

You may be right. Don’t tell that to the egomaniacs who set up the system I’ve heard, though . Hahahaha

 

[spiritofmusic]

You may be right. Don’t tell that to the egomaniacs who set up the system I’ve heard, though . Hahahaha

Like you've ever held back, lol.
Caesar, I'm the most surprised. I'll freely admit I've dissed all the main high end brands, all the usual loaded suspects, and likely their owners too (yes, yes, the blowback on Zu owners the other way).
I genuinely went into this visit with a skeptical mindset, and the room also didn't look like it could cope.
What transpired was as close to a magic trick as I've experienced in audio (only matched by the absolute disappearing act of Audiophile Bill's horns).
What also helped were some stellar LP pressings as well.
I stand corrected for holding some lazy biases and prejudices.