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| Model: | Opera |
| Category: | Integrated Amplifier (SS) |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $3,800 |
| Description: | 60 watts Class A integrated amplifier |
| Manufacturer URL: | Not Available |
| Model Picture: | View |
|
Review by yoyo on June 13, 2001 at 15:11:19 IP Address: 209.91.250.14 |
Add Your Review for the Opera |
The Adyton Opera is one of THE BEST integrated amplifiers in the WORLD. Best I have heard. And much better that manyyyyyyyy expensive pre and power combos.The sound is VEERY transparen and clean, and at the same time is not devioded of life and sweetness. Because of this, care must be taken in system matching to avoid other bright components to come through. It exercises very good control of the speaker because of its high current construction, the bass in my system is now heftier and deeper. The highs are cleaner and more defined.
Even though rated at 60watt which is not considered gigantic power, the amplifier runs in class A ( looks and feels like a bread toaster after a while) so the 60 feel very powerfull and controlled. The amplifier doubles into 4 Ohms to 120 watts, and to 240 into 2 Ohms. So it may really be compared to say a linn LK-140 in terms of power, although it sounds much cleanner and alive in my opinion.
It has 5 line inputs. Two of which include some attenuation -6db (cd, and DAT). One of the inputs may be converted to a phono input with the installation of the RIAA phono card ( I don't know if still available). Has one record output, and two pairs of power output terminals. One pair through 5-way binding posts, one pair recessed like for deltron connectors.
In term of construction, the amplifier is manufactured on a factory that also manufactures high grade military electronics. This means that the quality of the manufacture if first rate, as are the fir and finish. Its also quite hefty and has a big toroidal transformer in the front, I cant immagine what it would weight if it had an E-core instead.
These amplifiers used ( I dont know if still) by Audio Physic to voice their speakers. If you have heard any audiophysic speaker you know that Joachim knows about sound quality. Actually Audio Physic used to be the Adyton distributor in Germany. The Opera sales literature featured and Audio Physic Step in the picture. That is supposed to be the Opera's match.
The unfortunate news are that these amplifiers are no longer available outside Norway where its made. A few years ago Forsell purchassed the rights to the sale of Adyton's largest amplifier ( Forsell's THE STATEMENT is really an Adyton 3B with a different faceplate)so the brand is no longer sold outside of Norway.
I must say that to my dislike ( and I have to include this) Forsell said in his Stereophile interview that he designed and made the "THE STATEMENT" amplifier, which is a blatant lie ( or let say misrepresentation of facts).
If anyone has read Stereophile's review of THE STATEMENT you'll have an idea what the Opera is or sounds like, but let me say that many people including say that the Opera was even better that the 3B. I agree.
The down side to this terrific product.
1. No longer available new outside of Norway. Well let me correct that, in England Aanvil audio still has new units on sale. They were the british importer of the Adyton line.
2. This is not the amplifier for hungry speaker. After all its still 60 watts.
3. If it breaks, you neighbor will not be able to fix it for you.
4. Eventhough its an incredible product, most people don't even know it exists ( even audiophiles)so they will not be impressed with the name.The upside:
1. Incredible sound.
2. Unusual esthetics.
3. compact size
4. When the music starts they will know it is great and will not be able to get one ( exclusivity).
5. A bargain at the used market ( if you can find one).I only wish more music lovers had the oportunity to audition and own these amplifiers. My consolation is that at least I have it.
I look forward to traying it with some JM Labs or other high quality high efficiency speaker.
Regards,
yoyo
| Product Weakness: | No remote control, no longer available new outside of Norway |
| Product Strengths: | transparency, delicacy, control of the speakers,powerfull sound, great looks, unusual. |
| Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
| Amplifier: | Adyton Opera |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | creek 4040 s2 used only as phono section adn headphone amplifier |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Well Tempered TT, TEAC VRDS T-1 and Monarchy 22A D/A |
| Speakers: | Paradigm Studio 20 v.1 |
| Cables/Interconnects: | various |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Jass, Coral, Chamber, ensemble, Symphonic |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 11.5 x 10 x 8 |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | furniture and book shelves |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | 4 years |
| Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | triplight cleanner and stabilizar |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Follow Ups:
Hi,
Can someone tell me an URL or address/phone/fax or e-mail to contact Adyton ?Thanks.
Busybusy,Adyton is officially no more in business ( at least outside Norway).
Anvil was the UK distributor for them, Audio Physic the German distributor, Vazquez Audio the US distributor.
What are you looking for? maybe I could help!
yoyo
http://www.aanvilaudio.u-net.com/aanvil_home.htm
The above is the UK distributor - maybe they can help.Cato
It is a great little amp - one of the best small systems I have hever heard was the Opera driving a pair of Reference 3A Royal Masters.
I like the aesthetics as well - form follows function -
Cato,I'm glad somebody else in the asylum knows this GEM.
Do you or did you own an Opera?
The 3A is one of the speakers I will try with the Opera, if I can find a pair locally.
You know I was thinking that maybe an internet registry or owner's-friends page for this great lit'l amp can be made. Thus If someone needs tech support, parts, or sharing speaker or cable matching it can be shared there.
What do you think.
No I never actually owned one but being Norwegian, i remember the buzz it created when it was first launched. Then I moved to the UK and with the exception of Aanvil audio which tried to push it, the Adyton amps just didn't really sell here and everyhting grew quiet. Ken Kessler reviewed it favourably in Hifi News but as usually happens, the distirubtors bumped up the price to the point that it competed head-on with a number of other good amps. Not to say the Opera couldn't hold its own, it just didn't have the sufficient street cred to compete with other better known names.I am keeping an eye out for one second-hand and if the price is right, I will pick one up for a second system.
I think it sold well in Germany as well - no doubt thanks to its relationship with Audio Physic.
As for the match with the reference 3As - this to me at the time seemd a match made in heaven. Very quick, transparent with stunning resolution and presence. I was getting into Audio at the time and to me, 7 years on, it is still one of the top 3 most memorable systems I have heard.
If I do get one I will let you know - and i would be interested in your thoughts if you try it own with Ref 3As.
Good luck.
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