Audiophilepure

When I first listened to the Vincent SV-737 amplifier, I immediately heard the sonic differences compared to my reference. But as time went by, and with a little tweaking, I quickly became accustomed to its sound and just enjoyed the music. Sure I was still aware of its particular sonics. I put this amp in a system that was very high resolution and it managed it with aplomb. But as soon as I switched the speakers the sound took on a whole new flavor and the differences to my reference were shortened. This amplifier has a clean, detailed top end, somewhat sweet midrange (those tubes aren’t there just for looks) and a lower end that captures the ebb and flow and power of dynamics with very good control better than a lot of amplifiers I have heard regardless of price. This aspect of its sound is what makes this amp truly exciting and fun to listen to. The styling is very nice, its loaded with features and it is built like the proverbial you know what. It runs a bit warm so give it space when installing. Maybe if one ordered it in silver the letters would be easier to read? Nah!

https://www.stereophile.com/content/western-electric-type-no91e-integrated-amplifier

Charles Whitener’s claims about his Western Electric 91E integrated amplifier were spot on: The 91E does deliver a “solid low end and extended highs,” and it does have the “clarity of the original WE 91A’s midrange” and the ability to create an “incredible soundstage.”

The 91E is not your traditional treble-and-midrange-champ SET amplifier. In delivering more strength and power without compromising the low end, it’s a classy machine that can frame music neutrally in a large soundstage. The 91E elicited consistent musical pleasure. Western Electric is back.

At the opening of this review, I posed the question as to whether the LSA Warp 1 Class D amplifier could replace a solid-state Class A power amplifier. My conclusion is if you use a Class A amplifier partially because of its effect on the harmonic balance of your system, then no, the Warp 1 will not be an interchangeable substitute, because it has a different and, to my ear, more neutral, slightly less euphonic harmonic balance than a traditional Pass Class A design. But if you’ve ever wanted to hear what your system would sound like with an exceedingly noise-free power amplifier that produces a remarkably even-handed harmonic balance, then yes, the Warp 1 would be a viable power amplifier option.

Given its rather modest price of $1495, you might be tempted to write off the Warp 1 as just another me-too, mid-fi Class D power amplifier. That would be a mistake. I have, over the years, listened to plenty of Class D power amplifiers…so far, the Warp 1 is the best-sounding one I’ve reviewed. If you have loudspeakers that are at least reasonably efficient (or better), and you have no need to warm up their sonic personality, the Warp 1 power amplifier could be an excellent and exceedingly rational choice as your next reference power amplifier. 

https://www.stereophile.com/content/lsa-vt-70-integrated-amplifier

 V3 and V4 on the right. Pull the left switch toward you (position V1) to get a reading on the state of the first tube. The left needle should jump to the middle of the meter’s red zone and stay there. Now, push the switch to the rear, to the V2 position, and again watch the needle. Then do the same with the switch and the meter on the right. If necessary, insert a small slotted screwdriver in the corresponding hole marked “BIAS ADJ” and gently turn the trimpot until you’ve nudged the needle to the correct position. The process took about a minute for all four tubes. LSA recommends a monthly bias check, but during the three months I had the amplifier in my system, the VT-70 was completely stable, no adjustments needed.

There’s a lot to like about the AVM A 30.3. Yes, it’s pricey, but not overpriced given the quality of the audio presentation and marvelous build quality, and attention to detail. This could be a great choice for a full-blown high-end 2-channel system in a home or apartment. The dual amps can drive just about anything with super sharp imaging and inaudible distortion. The electronics are free of audio clicks when changing inputs, but there is a nice physical click confirming the input change. The AVM A 30.3 can handle digital inputs as well, and I could find no fault with the high-quality DAC that’s part of the package.

Those who evaluate amplifiers like it’s a game of Top Trumps will never ‘grok’ Lavardin because a 55W, four-input amplifier that doesn’t even have a balance control doesn’t hit their spec buttons, and the presence of notionally the same product for thousands less will send them apoplectic. On the other hand, if you listen to the Lavardin ITx there is nothing remotely close to what it does… and the ITx 20 does it a lot better. If you want a valve amplifier but don’t want valves, listen to the Lavardin ITx. And if you like the ITx, only listen to the ITx 20 if you have that kind of money to hand. Because you just might not be satisfied with anything else.