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 Since I have an excellent main system with a Bryston B60R integrated, there is no pressure to forge ahead - the Bryston is very smooth and detailed for a SS amp. I really didn't even break in the ASUSA, but the first impressions were o.k., but not great. As I have said before, I just wanted to see what 4 watts would do with 88dB efficient speakers. The classic design of the ASUSA K2003 is a lot prettier than Steve Deckert’s Zen amp, but the Zen has an excellent sonic reputation from individuals who have purchased it. (Although I noticed in reading the reviews on Deckert’s web page that none of the contributors has what would really be considered modern, high-endish speakers - mostly Klipsch, JBL and similar stuff. Although these speakers can be quite good, they are typically not among the top choices of the regulars at the Asylum.) I loosened the individual sockets for the pins on the ceramic tube sockets a bit too much after I couldn’t force the tubes in with modest pressure, and now the tubes are too loose in the sockets. I will someday rebuild the amp with Teflon tube sockets and better caps and resistors in the signal path. I think the amp has potential, but it’s really a toy for me, and I don’t have time to play with it now. I will eventually go with a DIY 2A3 amp, or perhaps a pair of Wright 2A3 monoblocks, but that is a much bigger expense. If you get the ASUSA, post to me again, and I’ll update you on my upgrade status and the cost of the components. It would be easier to put in the upgrades when you build it. Actually, now that you’ve prompted me, I think. I’ll look into the upgrades this week. I may just buy the sockets, caps and resistors and NOS tubes, and have the local "funky, but skilled" electronics shop in Fairfax, CA (European Electronics) make the changes for me.
And yes, I probably will sell it in a few weeks, so e-mail me if you're interested. I'll update my progress here at the Asylum.
Dave VH
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