Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Quicksilver Audio Mini-Mono Amplifier (Tube) by Champion

Model:	Mini-Mono
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$998 pair
Description:	tube power amp
Manufacturer URL:	Quicksilver Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Quicksilver Audio

Review by Champion on June 23, 2003 at 17:03:31
IP Address: 203.109.254.49

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for the Mini-Mono

I have moved to a smaller house recently and downsize my system from Plinius SA100/AP Virgo 2 to the Harbeth Ls3/5a. I decided to go back to tube amp. I was actually trying to get a pair of VTL tiny triode but they are hard to find on the market, especially in New Zealand. So I decided to go for the Quicksilver audio mini mono (I like tiny mono blocks), as I found Mike in Quicksilver audio quite easy to work with and he also pay for the shipping as there is no dealer in New Zealand!
I just use the stocked EL34 tubes as I can't afford to do tube rolling at the moment. I was quite worried that 25W will not be enough for my 83dB Ls3/5a, but it actually work very well in my room. I got a better result than using the Plinius SA100, much more musical and balanced performance. However, I had a larger room at that time. People like to say that the 3/5a need lots of power (which is reasonable given its low sensitivity), I found that the best performance are usually from using low-medium power tube amps. Just a personal preference.
The amp/speakers combo does not provide a huge soundstage, but it is very well defined and image very well. Human voices are so realistics (e.g. Jennifer Warnes, Eric Clapton), the singer is like standing in the room. It is quite detailed too, especially in the midrange.
Bass performance is as good as I can hope for with 25W and the ls3/5a. You won't hear deep bass, of course, but it has enough to give a very nice balance of sound. The system is not good for rock or orchestra, it won't fill the room with sound - one of the weaknesses with the system. But if you pair it up with more efficient speakers, it may be different.
I have also paired the amps with NHT SB2 speakers (86dB) and the performance is less impressive. It was not as musical and detailed, and just lack the magic. On the other hand, the SA100 drove it very well and give a lively sound.
In summary, I am very impressed with the mini mono. I actually like to listen to my system more than before. It is just more musical and allow me to enjoy the music, rather than playing around with sound effect and equipment. The next thing I may do is to add a preamp, or the FT audio LW-1 passive.

Product Weakness: Not producing big sound (but I use LS3/5a!), small soundstage, not good for rock
Product Strengths: Sweet, very musical, just make you want to listen to the music

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Mini Mono
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon DVD player, AA DDE3.0
Speakers:	Harbeth LS3/5a
Cables/Interconnects:	Transparent cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	wide range
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 16 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not producing big sound (but I use LS3/5a!), small soundstage, not good for rock
Product Strengths:	Sweet, very musical, just make you want to listen to the music