JOB 225 2-channel Power Amplifier ... update ...

[joeinid]

My Job 225 arrived last night. They apparently ship overnight from Switzerland once the order goes through. Holy cow! The amp and box arrived in perfect shape via FedEx. The packaging was great and I think more than adequate. Hooking it up was very easy with RCA inputs and solid speaker terminals. The review and manual has a warning that kind of scared me a little.

* Directly from the owner's manual, "the Job 225 is a DC-coupled amp without protection. If it is associated with a badly designed or defective analog preamplifier (often true for tube preamps or some 5-channel processors) the speakers could easily be damaged by DC. The Job 225 doesn't amplify DC but DC applied at the input is passed to the output."

Not wanting to risk my TADs, I hooked up my Andrew Jones designed Pioneer bookshelf speakers and crossed my fingers. These cost under $200 and are superb for the money. I hooked up the Dartzeel preamp to the Job 225 and started playing some music. OMG! to discount this amp on price is just plain stupid. It sounds amazing. Full, warm, detailed without being harsh. It has a HUGE sound stage with depth and layering. I absolutely love it and can say it can compete with amps 5-8X the retail price. This amp makes my Pioneer speakers sing like never before. I've had it playing all night and I am literally in disbelief.

I don't fully understand which preamps/dacs can pass DC yet. I have a friend who showed me photos of blown speaker woofers because the well known brand amp he was using passes dc and it fried them. Needless to say I was, and still am nervous about that. This amp could really satisfy as my main amp. It has gotten better overnight and will give it more play time to let it settle. It runs warm but not hot. I love this thing. It's not the typical SS sound and not the typical tube sound. It has some of the best qualities of both.

[Mike]

Wow! Glad you like it Joe. That was fast shipping!

[JJinID]

Excellent Joe! Keep us posted - also it's incredible how good those Pioneer bookshelf speakers sound for the price! I have them also!

[joeinid]

I'll eventually get the nerve to hook up the TADs but right now I am really impressed with this amp.

[the professor]

that's great

congrats

[joeinid]

Thanks Jock.

[socfan12]

Joe, that sounds great! Seems like the bargain of the century! Congrats on a great find!

[sharkmouth]

Joe, are you sick of it yet? Just kidding. Great to hear of your find of a reasonably priced sleeper. Will be interesting to hear your thoughts on how it compares to the big boys.

[joeinid]

I can't wait to get the nerve to try it on my TADs but it's really, really good. I am speechless.

[JJinID]

I'll eventually get the nerve to hook up the TADs but right now I am really impressed with this amp.

Do you think it would be safe to run your DAC2X directly into the amp using it's volume control? You could try that out on your Pioneers first and then if it's safe try that with the TADs...

[joeinid]

Do you think it would be safe to run your DAC2X directly into the amp using it's volume control? You could try that out on your Pioneers first and then if it's safe try that with the TADs...

Hi Jeff,

The DAC2X has no volume control but I could use the modified Sonos as the source and use the volume control on the Sonos. I've done it before and will try it tonight.

[JJinID]

Ah got it - I knew you were running your DAC without a preamp before and that makes sense now.

[joeinid]

Ah got it - I knew you were running your DAC without a preamp before and that makes sense now.

I just swapped it so it's direct now. I do prefer a preamp in the mix. So far so good.


I'm convinced the Dart preamp is bringing up the performance of the Job 225.

[MDP]

Congrats Joe !! Sounds like you found a diamond in the rough, I love it when that happens !

[joeinid]

Congrats Joe !! Sounds like you found a diamond in the rough, I love it when that happens !

Thanks Mark. It is definitely worth more than the asking price.

[socfan12]

Hmm, was considering an integrated for the BR, but something like this + a small Pre sounds really good, too.

So does the Dart or the Dag go to make room for the Job, Joe?

[Twisted]

You could build a nice little system around that amp, and not break the bank.
Would be perfect for a bedroom system.

Glad you like it.

[joeinid]

Everything goes but the Job.

Seriously this has me rethinking things.

I do like it. I need some time to get over the excitement.

[johnthomas]

You could build a nice little system around that amp, and not break the bank.
Would be perfect for a bedroom system.

Glad you like it.

I think bedroom is full already.

[joeinid]

Mine certainly is.

I think bedroom is full already.

[dlb2]

Everything goes but the Job.

Seriously this has me rethinking things.

I do like it. I need some time to get over the excitement.

If you're starting over from scratch Joe, (but I know you were just throwing that out there) I know of a company that makes a nice little SET amp.

Congrats on the fun new toy you have!

[joeinid]

Hi Doug,

LM is still on the list.

[KLH007]

Joe, Please tell us you found the courage to hook up the JOB 225 to the CR-1s. After Srajan's gushing review, I'm curious as to how good this giant killer could be? When you've recovered from the honeymoon period, please make comparisons against your esteemed in-house amps, pull no punches. This is an affordable price point for many, (me), and I would love to own a world class sounding amp for less than 5 figures!

[joeinid]

Joe, Please tell us you found the courage to hook up the JOB 225 to the CR-1s. After Srajan's gushing review, I'm curious as to how good this giant killer could be? When you've recovered from the honeymoon period, please make comparisons against your esteemed in-house amps, pull no punches. This is an affordable price point for many, (me), and I would love to own a world class sounding amp for less than 5 figures!

I am still hairless down there but I am loving the Job 225. My Pioneers are singing sweetly and have been playing constantly since 1:30 Friday night. I will say the bass is a little soft (on those speakers but it's not a fair comparison, yet) but the mids and treble are to die for. I am blown away. There is something so right about what I am hearing. I love it. I know it does not make sense. I really need to hear this amp on my Cornwalls. I imagine that it will be an excellent combination.

[KLH007]

I am still hairless down there but I am loving the Job 225. My Pioneers are singing sweetly and have been playing constantly since 1:30 Friday night. I will say the bass is a little soft (on those speakers but it's not a fair comparison, yet) but the mids and treble are to die for. I am blown away. There is something so right about what I am hearing. I love it. I know it does not make sense. I really need to hear this amp on my Cornwalls. I imagine that it will be an excellent combination.

Joe, Inherent noise could be an issue when you combine the highly sensitive Cornwalls with the high gain/0.75V input sensitivity of the JOB, but the Dart should be up to the task. When you finally pair the JOB with the Cornwalls or CR-1s, please let us in on your impressions.

[joeinid]

Joe, Inherent noise could be an issue when you combine the highly sensitive Cornwalls with the high gain/0.75V input sensitivity of the JOB, but the Dart should be up to the task. When you finally pair the JOB with the Cornwalls or CR-1s, please let us in on your impressions.

I will. I expect any day now. I do think this amp is very nice.

[joeinid]

I can honestly say that I love this Job 225 amp. There is something right about how it sounds. I am sure that as long as your speakers are not too complex a load it will drive them well. This has killed many amps costing several times the asking price. It has a huge sound stage with clarity and smoothness.


I'd love a monoblock version for more fun.

[Petro85]

So Joe how much gear do you have?? Lol
Sounds like a nice setup!! Congrats

[dlb2]

Joe needed to play with something while (still) waiting for the D'ag pre to arrive.

How's it doing with more hours on it Joe?

[joeinid]

So Joe how much gear do you have?? Lol
Sounds like a nice setup!! Congrats

Way too much, unfortunately.

Joe needed to play with something while (still) waiting for the D'ag pre to arrive.

How's it doing with more hours on it Joe?

I am utterly amazed how nice this little amp sounds. No, I have not hooked it up to the TADs. I promise to do it soon but the amp has totally exceeded my expectations. The bass is a little soft but the treble and mids are awesome. It has clarity and warmth with a huge sound stage. It makes the cheap Pioneers sound like they cost thousands.

Can you imagine what the Goldmund gear up the line sounds like? OMG! I'd love the find out.

If I am not mistaken, Howie has Goldmund. I'll have to talk to him

[dlb2]

That's impressive coming from someone who has auditioned a lot of gear. Could be that both the Dag and Dart gear might find new homes...hmmm....

The JOB is class A/B right? Does it stay pretty cool to the touch?

[joeinid]

That's impressive coming from someone who has auditioned a lot of gear. Could be that both the Dag and Dart gear might find new homes...hmmm....

The JOB is class A/B right? Does it stay pretty cool to the touch?

I can't see selling the Dart, but the D....... ?

The Job runs very warm, almost too hot on the heatsinks. Yes A/B, but hot for A/B.

[Mike]

New review on Job 225 amp:

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/blo...ereo-amplifier

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/blo...ereo-amplifier

[joeinid]

The author mentions Constellation and Krell, I believe, as other high bandwidth amps. Not bad company.

[joeinid]

I know that I sound like a broken record but this amp is a true game changer.

Bottom Line

The Job 225 seems to break beyond the limits of the “affordable high-end amp” to deliver a sound quality more like that of the $5,000-and-up amps I’ve tried. No, it’s nothing to look at, nothing you can brag about, but it does deliver superbly smooth sound from a chassis that seems almost impossibly small. So should you get a Job? If you’re looking for a compact, reasonably affordable, high-end amp, then yeah.

[sandifop]

Amazon now lists the 225 as "unavailable." That was a quick product cycle.

[joeinid]

I think that is temporary. They will be selling directly from the factory in Switzerland. They will be finally offering a 120V/240V unit for the world market. Exciting times ahead.

[KLH007]

Joe, Why is the JOB 225 missing from your equipment list? I heartily recommend the c-j GAT/ART, extremely musical, 3D layered stage, transparent, draws you into the music.

[joeinid]

I don't have enough room for everything. I'm only allowed 500 characters. I've asked Mike to see if he can increase the size of the signature box.

[Petro85]

I don't have enough room for everything. I'm only allowed 500 characters. I've asked Mike to see if he can increase the size of the signature box.

Lmao!!! That's a sign Joe. You have to sell 50 characters worth of gear!

[joeinid]

Lmao!!! That's a sign Joe. You have to sell 50 characters worth of gear!

Ha!

Let's see. If someone takes the TADs, that's only 7 characters.

[KLH007]

C'mon Mike, let him list his heinously large collection of audio kit. Are you keeping the JOB as a fiscal yardstick like Srajan to be sure mega-buck amps have commensurate sound quality?

[joeinid]

C'mon Mike, let him list his heinously large collection of audio kit. Are you keeping the JOB as a fiscal yardstick like Srajan to be sure mega-buck amps have commensurate sound quality?

I'm thinking about sell everything else and keeping the Job 225. If you are thinking about one, better jump soon before the price goes up.

[KLH007]

I'm thinking about sell everything else and keeping the Job 225. If you are thinking about one, better jump soon before the price goes up.

It's too late, Amazon is not listing the JOB anymore and don't know when or if ever they will offer it again. Maybe the $1699 universal voltage version will be available soon, JOB says September.

[joeinid]

It's too late, Amazon is not listing the JOB anymore and don't know when or if ever they will offer it again. Maybe the $1699 universal voltage version will be available soon, JOB says September.

Keep your fingers crossed they come back in stock.

[KLH007]

Joe, What power cords have you used with the JOB, and how sensitive is it to different cords? JOB's Sweetcord?

[joeinid]

Joe, What power cords have you used with the JOB, and how sensitive is it to different cords? JOB's Sweetcord?

I have and use the Sweetcord but I also use a Shunyata Venom3. I have not really noticed a difference. It's funny, when the amps sell direct, the amp goes up in price but the cord comes down in price. The overall price is the same for the amp and Sweetcord. So if you are buying them both, there really is no price increase. Do you need the Sweetcord? I don't think so but I would at least use a good, solid cord.

[McChicken]

OK...I was in the hunt for a new power amp...and got to you guys via "Computer Audiophile" where somebody told me to check out the new JOB 225 that everyone went "GaGa" over.
So, do you think JOB will tell us when the new batch of 115/230 VAC ampifiers are ready to be ordered or do we simple need to personally monitor Amazon ?
Also read someplace that they will start selling "Factory Direct" instead of Amazon...
As ready as a gun-slinger to order as soon as I have the possibility.

[joeinid]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. I've been keeping an eye on both Amazon and jobsys.com

I am not sure when the changeover will happen but I am doing the same as you. If it pops up again on amazon, I'm pulling the trigger again. A friend is buying one too. I expect that by next month Job will be direct sales. It sure is easy to buy from amazon and hope at last a few more amps will be available.

BTW, what's your first name?

OK...I was in the hunt for a new power amp...and got to you guys via "Computer Audiophile" where somebody told me to check out the new JOB 225 that everyone went "GaGa" over.
So, do you think JOB will tell us when the new batch of 115/230 VAC ampifiers are ready to be ordered or do we simple need to personally monitor Amazon ?
Also read someplace that they will start selling "Factory Direct" instead of Amazon...
As ready as a gun-slinger to order as soon as I have the possibility.

[dlb2]

You've got quite the line up of amps Joe. Now that the Job has been imbedded for a few months it must be good to stay in your sig.

btw...if you change "Audio Deske Vinyl Cleaner" to "Audio Desk RCM" you pick up a few precious characters.