Amp/Preamp Asylum

I bought an EAR864 a couple of years ago and have since been using it with a Jungson Class A power amp. Although I liked the combination the Jungson was always a stop gap - and I decided the time had come to look at a second hand valve power amp.

From what I had read ideally I wanted to get hold of an EAR890 - but they are like hens teeth; and then the one evening I didn't trawl the PFM for sales one came up at £1200!!!!

Lookign around teh choice came down to:

1. An EAR 534 for £1150
2nd hand, fully serviced with a 30 day money back garauntee; or
2. A McIntosh 275 for £1450
Very slight damage. Mk IV. Sourced on the Continent, and so no return.

Now I had never heard either of these amps - and 1) was coming from a UK dealer ....but the reviews I found, although complimentary, seem to indicate it's not best suited to rock - which I listen to quiet a lot. The factors involved in the decision included:

1. The 275 was not available to listen to, the 534 was.
2. The 534 had been serviced and fitted with a full set of NOS valves;
3. The dealer was friendly and got back to me when I asked him some questions;
4. I had a 30 day return with no penalty option with this amp.

Bottom line was the 864 is a great pre - and I wanted to at least listen to an EAR power.


The Physical:

What a well put together box. I love the way that everything to so easily available when leaning over the amp from the front - and so clearly labelled.

I love the look - my wife HATES it. We've agreed that when friends come over she can drape something over it!


Listened With:

Front End: DVD5,Benchmark DAC1 // LP12, ARO, DV20, Geddon -> EAR864
Spkrs: ART Skibo, REL Stata III sub.

Amp positioned between the speakers. Balanced connection btwn pre & power.

Also tested with DVD with AV2 + chrome 140/250 & Linn Kans as rears.


Sound:

CD: Opened with Clearance Clearwater Revival (CCR).

Moved on to Oscar Peterson. Mary Black. Cher. Eagles.

DVD: Bruce Springsteen. Pulse - Pink Floyd.


The word which summed up my ongoing reaction was & is VISCERAL.

I think I can hear what Art Dudley meant when he was unconvinced with the 534 for rock music. Listening to CCR 'I Put A Spell On You' I was impressed by the way the amp projected an aural image with some great punchy bass. However, the next track was 'Bad Moon Rising', this somehow failed to be communicated with all the excitement I would like.

Next up was some Oscar Peterson. Where 'Bad Moon Rising' felt like I was observing something I was not a part of the Oscar Peterson was the reverse, in comparison with my Jungson J99 power amp. Where before I had quiet enjoyed the O.P. CD now I felt that i really GOT IT.


However, there was a decernable earth hum from the 534.


Amp Issue

The left channel gently failed, and so the dealer arranged for it to be collected, repaired and returned.


I am a very happy bunny. My CDs have NEVER sounded so good. I'm hearing music with the impact I normally only get from my turntable. In fact it is the way this setup allows music to breath that I enjoy most. Earlier I was listening to some Copeland, including Fanfare for the Common Man, although I new the drum strokes where coming some still managed to actually make me jump; real dynamic swings on all kinds of music.

I have been very impressed with Definitive Audio - Kevin has been very helpful, EAR, T de P has been kind enough to answer several emails, and the 534. Got to say that I had real reservations having read the Art Dudley review, but I am thoroughly enjoying listening to what I am hearing -- the 534 is going to stay.

Follow Ups:

• Great amp - Maverick 08:54:38 04/24/08 (1)
  • Its got me COMPULSIVELY listening to music - Mr Underhill 15:11:16 04/24/08 (0)

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