SET Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Note Soro SE Amplifier (Tube) by Arsene

Model:	Soro SE
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	USD 2,600
Description:	Single -ended amplifier using 5881 pentodes
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Note
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Note

Review by Arsene ( A ) on January 14, 2002 at 20:21:27
IP Address: 203.124.0.246

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for the Soro SE

This is my second tube amplifier after trying out the excellent Jolida SJ 502A which I got second hand. My first impression of the product was that it is handsomely made with a black casing concealing the tubes inside. There are one EC 83 triode, 2 6SL7 tubes and 4 6L6GC Amperex tubes. The amplifier comes with nice gold knobs on an acrylic facsia. The looks are somewhat similar to the Oto SE. I would of course prepferred it if the nice glowing tubes are exposed for aesthetic as well as ventilation reasons.
I used the amplifier to listen to light jazz and voclas. For a tube amplifier, the bass is surprising stronger than my Jolida, being lean and tight as opposed to the looser bass from my 6550 driven Jolida. This could be attributed to the Amperex 6L6GC. The amplifier also sounds very good with acoustic music, giving a very detail and musical sound. Female vocals like Laura Fygi come on as very involving as the mid range is warm although not as lush as the Jolida. On heavier music like pop and rock, the music sounds brittle and slightly flat. I would not recommend this amplifier for pop and rock anyway due to its limited 18watts per channel rating. You must also pair it with an efficient speakers with snesitivity of at least 89 in order to play it loud. I have however tried it with my Sonus Faber Concerto and they sounded magical on this amplifier although the SF requires more power and juice than a mere 18 watts to drive them.As this is a Class A amplifier, the equipment runs very hot after an hour of use.
I am now thinking of tube rolling with a view to get better sound from the amplifier. The only disadvatage of getting this amplifier is that it is difficult to source for 6L6GC tubes and 5881s.

Product Weakness: Cannot take the taller 6L6 tubes.
Product Strengths: Nice mid range. Detailed and musical. Sturdt built quality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Soro SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	N/A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz 19a
Speakers:	Sonus Faber Concerto, Monitor Audio Silver 4i
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber 8TC, Van der Hul 102 mk III
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	12M x 8M x 4M
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	NBS dragonfly powercord
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Cannot take the taller 6L6 tubes.
Product Strengths:	Nice mid range. Detailed and musical. Sturdt built quality.