Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Thule Audio Spirit IA60 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by Belgarchi

Model:	Spirit IA60
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$700
Description:	2x 60W integrated amplifier 1 pre out, 1 main in (switchable).
Manufacturer URL:	Thule Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Belgarchi on June 26, 2008 at 20:21:19
IP Address: 216.80.144.198 Add Your Review
for the Spirit IA60

The Thule 60B-SE is a very special 2x75W RMS integrated amp.
Superbly simple look, nice to use remote control and onctuous 'volume' knob. Balanced and RCA inputs. Bass, Treble and balance. No headphones output, no phono input.
What I really don't like is that many commands are only on the remote control, and missing on the front panel.
It is a true balanced design, and the sound is quite special: very good soundstage, very low noise, very 'pure, clear' sound without being dry, neutral, deep bass, extended treble. At mid-level.
At high level, things are going wrong: distortion, flatter sound stage, aggressivity.
At low level, the excellent sound noticed at 'normal' level is unchanged.
Very, very rare.

Product Weakness:	No phones output, sound is badly degraded at high level, many commands missing on the front plate
Product Strengths:	Excellent sound at low and mid level, well built, balanced

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Thule
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): NAD
Speakers: JM Lab, Tannoy
Cables/Interconnects: Monster Cable, BJC
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Classic, Other
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 16 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Neutral; ceiling too low
Time Period/Length of Audition: ~6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Rotel
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Thule
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	NAD
Speakers:	JM Lab, Tannoy
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster Cable, BJC
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classic, Other
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 16 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Neutral; ceiling too low
Time Period/Length of Audition:	~6 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Rotel
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner