SET Asylum: REVIEW: Dared VP-845 Amplifier (Tube) by msa

Model:	VP-845
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$4000.
Description:	Singe ended triode design with 845 tube output; integrated or amp only
Manufacturer URL:	Dared
Model Picture:	View

Review by msa ( A ) on March 30, 2004 at 07:32:23
IP Address: 66.67.140.85

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for the VP-845

The previous review for this amp was also by me. However, this review is for the new 2004 model. Changes from the earlier model include better grounding and shielding and a 6SN7 driver instead of a 6L6 type.

The first thing noted out of the box is that this amp is dead quiet (the previous one had a hum requiring a ground lift in my system; John, who bought my previous 845, had no such hum in his system).

After 5 days of steady music playing a critical listen confirmed my earlier impressions. The magical mid range is present, clean and clear. The highs are extended with little roll-off and sound wonderful with the metal-dome tweeeters in my speaker. The violins on Tchiakovsky's trio are alive and not screechy or sizzling. The bass is all there and not flabby; just the right amount of decay so that Ron Carter's bass sounds live in my living room.

I had the unit modified to accept an external preamp directly. I would urge anyone interested in this amp to do the same. My external preamps (both the Audio Experience Symphony and the Philly Audio 7A) are better than the preamp integrated into this amp. This is a low cost mod ( <$100).

In terms of value for dollars, this amp will be very hard to beat. Enjoy!

Product Weakness: Should be modified for external preamp.
Product Strengths: The sound and value

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Dared VP-845
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Philly Audi 7A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Accuphase 75v
Speakers:	Thiel 1.6 and Rel Sub
Cables/Interconnects:	All Nordost Blue Heaven
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, chamber, orchestral
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 18 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments:	furniture, scatter rugs
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 hours after 5 day break-in
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Chang Lightspeed 6400
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Should be modified for external preamp.
Product Strengths:	The sound and value