Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Quicksilver Audio Mid-Mono Amplifier (Tube) by Doc Sarvis Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

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Model:	Mid-Mono
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1895
Description:	50 Watt Mono-blocks
Manufacturer URL:	Quicksilver Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Quicksilver Audio

Review by Doc Sarvis ( A ) on December 17, 2005 at 09:50:29 IP Address: 205.208.209.108

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This is a preliminary review of the Quicksilver Mid-Mono tube amplifiers, with my initial impressions. (I haven't purchased the Mid-Monos yet, but they are getting some VERY serious consideration.)

I tried out a pair in the black finish (haven't seen the chrome in person, but it's supposed to be very nice), in the listening room of a great audio dealer I just discovered, Tom Gibbons of Utah Audio (if you happen to be in the Salt Lake City area, give him a call - his enthusiasm and level of customer support are refreshing and contagious!). Pictures don't do these amps justice; they are very attractive in a classic tube-y way, and sport excellent build quality. Obviously these amps are designed to be part of a system over the long haul (Quicksilver has a reputation for long, long term customer relationships). The only unusual thing about the appearance is that the power cord actually protrudes from the front of the amp (the opposite of where the speaker posts are located), but even this function-over-form design accommodation does not detract from the amps’ look. Tom took a moment to show me the biasing process; it’s extremely simple and intuitive.

I spent about an hour listening to Tom’s setup of choice with the mid-monos, which included an Esoteric SACD player and Audio Physic Padua speakers. (Just to give you a reference: This particular listening room was small, about the size of a mid-management corporate office. No room treatments were being used.) He also used an upgraded power cord.

It’s tough to listen to an entirely new system and single out the characteristics of a particular component, but I can assuredly say that these amps would be excellent performers in just about any system. In my hour of listening, I noticed four things in particular: First, the soundstage was extremely impressive. Our choices of music ranged from blues to prog-rock, and in each case the overall sonic presentation was wonderfully effective. I didn’t really get a chance to listen to music of extreme dynamic range such as my classical references, but everything I heard suggested that the amps would not disappoint with any genre.

Second, I was pleasantly surprised by the bass response. This is not a stereotypical “tube amp bass” presentation; in fact, I could have sworn that a tastefully-applied subwoofer (not at all boomy but solidly in place) was being used - but of course it was not. Rock fans and others should not worry about the Mid-Monos’ ability to provide the appropriate bass slam.

Third, I was surprised with the Quicksilvers’ ability to sort out fine musical detail. Along with the convincing soundstage I already referenced, every element of the music was projected with authority, even on difficult bass and cymbal passages that lesser systems would turn to mush.

Finally, the amps have that mesmerizing quality that I associate with the best tube gear. I would not call it “warmth” or attribute it simply to the midrange response (although the midrange was certainly there in spades); rather, I’d say that the sound of the Mid-Monos was so wonderfully detailed and alive, that the effect was to draw me into the music. My wife and I sat in silence and listened while Tom played Peter Gabriel’s “Shaking the Tree” from the new SACD compilation of the same name. It was one of those experiences that take a familiar song, and forever enhances the way you will hear it. The Mid-Monos were able to make a profound emotional connection through the music.

On the basis of this one listening, I would give the Mid-Monos a solid recommendation. I look forward to a journey of discovery around these amps; I am supremely confident that the voyage would be a pleasant one. I guarantee that the pride-of-ownership factor will be very high. (The only reason I haven’t “pulled the trigger” - aside from a desire to pace myself! - is that I’m now being tempted to consider the Quicksilver V4’s - much pricier, but from an all accounts a legendary performer).

If it’s convenient, you might want to check out Utah Audio as well. You won’t be disappointed.

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Product Weakness:	See review
Product Strengths:	See review

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Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	See review
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	See review
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	See review
Speakers:	See review
Cables/Interconnects:	See review
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	See review
Type of Audition/Review:	Dealer Demo

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