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SET Asylum: REVIEW: Norh Loudspeaker Co Ltd. SE-9 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by BillEpstein

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REVIEW: Norh Loudspeaker Co Ltd. SE-9 Integrated Amplifier (Tube)

12.75.71.215


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Model: SE-9
Category: Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $450
Description: Single-ended EL-34 Integrated Amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Norh Loudspeaker Co Ltd.
Model Picture: View

Review by BillEpstein ( A ) on July 05, 2005 at 02:40:37
IP Address: 12.75.71.215
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for the SE-9


This little 9 Watt amplifier has an astonishing level of quality at it's price. The transformers are potted, the caps and resistors are mainly Wima's and what look like Roedersteins, and the terminals are all high quality copper and platinum-plated. The price, BTW, includes express freight to your door in the U.S.
I've been using it on loan from a friend until I complete the construction of an expensive 300B amp kit. At almost every listening session I ask myself 'why I don't send $450 to Thailand and sell the 300B when it's done.' It's that good.
The SE-9 comes stock with Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 drivers, 5AR4 rectifier and EL-34 power tubes. Yup, tube rectification!
It was well broken in by the time I got it and immediately displayed that "SET" ambience peculiar to the type. Whether that is a product of distortion or a truer look into the recording venue is irrelevant 'cause it sounds so 'magical'. I lean toward the latter; as I fed it better and better tubes: GE 5 star, then Amperex drivers and EH6CA7, then Valve Art and finally Mullard EL-34's the level of detail and listening pleasure just increased.
This little (40 lb.) amp could be 'tighter' in the lowest octave and clearer thru the upper mids and treble. But the bass is still really EL-34 good and the upper octaves full of enough detail to bring out most of the nuances of female voice as well as the presence of a string section and not just a bunch'a violins.
I can't wait to hear my 300B but I'll be sorry to see the SE-9 go back to it's owner.


Product Weakness: Some small veiling of the upper octaves and lowest bass
Product Strengths: Build quality and SET 'Magic' sound


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: None
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony 775 Sacd.com modified/Ariston RD 11 Superieur with Bugle fono and DV 10X5 cart
Speakers: JBL/Altec 2 way horn/bass reflex
Cables/Interconnects: AR and Royal Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Everything
Room Size (LxWxH): 28 x 15 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: about 30 days so far
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition




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Topic - REVIEW: Norh Loudspeaker Co Ltd. SE-9 Integrated Amplifier (Tube) - BillEpstein 02:40:37 07/5/05 ( 2)