New SET mono amplifiers

[Randy Myers]

I decided to go full back to basic, music first in my system. With my recent trying and loving using my Dennis Had DHT pre-amplifier/headphone amplifier to be the controller in my system. I decided that back to basic, music first is what I like the most.

I just made a deal for some SET Class A, Triode mono block amps. These babies are powerful, for SET amps ...

Here is the write ups:
Audio Mirror 45 Watt Parallel SET Tube Mono Power Amplifier
This pair of monoblocks features the optional transformer-coupled XLR balanced inputs as well as single-ended inputs.

45 watt per channel mono-blocks are based on 6C33C Russian power tube. These all triode amps are one of the most powerful single ended amps on the market. The input stage is based on 6SL7 tube and the driver stage is with 6SN7. At the output are two 6C33C tubes in parallel. The amp design is a result of years of research and experience. A lot of trials and errors and of course very critical listening. We listen to our amps. We believe that measuring can show you very little of how the amp sounds. We listen and compare. That's how we achieve superior sound. Mono-blocks are point-to-point wired. Silver is the metal we use to run the signal through. High quality camps and grain oriented lamination M6 for the output transformers. The amps are autobiased in a unique way. Thus the amps are capable of very low end and very well controlled. Tight, fast and very dynamic bass. Mids and highs are so clear, opened and transparent. No fatigue from listening at all. Very musical and lively sound is produced by implementing some own proprietary design circuits. Most of caps are eliminated using DC coupling between stages. Actually, there is only one cap in the signal path. Amps have overload and runaway protection. These are some details revealing the build quality of the amps. The 45 watt power is real. The amps clip above 60 watts. Dynamic power is over 100 watts. They can driver very hard-to-drive loads, inefficient speakers and even electrostatic speakers which are hungry for power.

[the professor]

nice

[joeinid]

Awesome Randy! Can’t wait for your thoughts?

[jadedavid]

They are nice amps. I have had a pair of these. If you are into any tube rolling, the 6sn7 has more influence than the 6sl7. I ended up using an adapter and used an RCA 6F8G which gave it a HUGE & DEEP soundstage.
They are powerful for a SET but they would shut down in protection mode when driving my Maggie 1.7's in my moderate sized room.
But all in all a fun amp. Congrats on the purchase. Enjoy

[bart]

Randy, very nice!
Also looking forward to your experience with them.
You've gone through different amp architectures.
I wonder what impression these will make on you (in the long term).

[Randy Myers]

Thanks everyone. I have gone through considerable changes experimenting and re-learning this crazy hobby since jumping back in a few years ago.

Back in the day I ended up with basic function gear leaning towards musicality over all else. I guess my new journey is leading me back down the same path ...

[Kingrex]

Nice. I am looking at Decware Zen amps bridged for 6 Watts.

[Randy Myers]

I believe people get too caught up in WPC numbers. I have had 300 WPC amplifiers, etc., but have always enjoyed lower power pure musical oriented amplifiers. I loved the First Watt amplifier, for example.

These guys, at 45 Watts are on the high end of these types of amplifiers. They should have no issue powering my KEF speakers!

Good luck with the Decware Zen if you decide to go that direction.

[Kingrex]

Steve wirh Decker just said something very interesting to me. I listen mostly at low to moderate low volumes. An amplifier likes to work. If I'm listening at low volume and I have a lot of power, my amp is basically idling and not opening up like it should. With my 96 DB speakers now I think I'm experiencing that. It really blooms when I turn it up loud. At low volumes it seems to be for a better word just idling.

[Randy Myers]

Interesting view point. I would say the same with a pre-amp. A pre-amp, to perform it's best should be able to have the volume from 11:00 - 1:00 on the dial (or even slightly higher). I remember reading this in a manufacture's pre-amplifier manual, but I cannot remember who's it was.

[Mr Peabody]

It would seem if an amp likes to be "driven", that it had better have been designed with some headroom, power reserves for demand peaks.

In regard to preamps it would seem where your volume control should be depends on at what point distortion begins. I only owned one preamp that had a switch for high or low output gain. Most preamps, unless a low watt power amp, won't let you get to 11. Well, unless hard of hearing or sitting at the opposite end of a football field.

I'd have to read a white paper or have more of a consensus from amp designers before buying onto they need to be driven at the top end of ability.

May just be my interpreatation, I sense some kind of conspiracy theory that small watt amps somehow sound more "musical" than a large power amp. I suppose technically that's subjective, although a wild generalization. Either way, I'm not buying it.

I don't believe in too much power

[jadedavid]

The theory behind running the volume control up around the 10 oclock to 2 oclock for better sound comes from the older wire wound and carbon wiper pots. At the bottom end they were not very linear and did not necessarily track evenly between the channels. This improved as the middle section of the pot was reached. With today's improved potentiometers, stepped attenuators, voltage regulators ETC used as volume controls the basis of that old school of thought has been mostly eliminated.

[Kingrex]

By the way Randy, super envious of your new amp. It looks beautiful. I bet its going to be a crowning Jewel of tonal Elegance. I hope it's what makes your system shine.

[MikeCh]

They look real nice Randy!

[bzr]

They do look nice, will be interesting to hear what you think in a few months.

[bzr]

They are nice amps....... I ended up using an adapter and used an RCA 6F8G which gave it a HUGE & DEEP soundstage.
Enjoy

That is a great tube!

[Randy Myers]

Thank you for the replies, suggestions, and inputs. I am super excited to listen to these. From the research I have done they sound like they will be right up my alley. I am planning on keeping the classic McIntosh. I can listen to it sometimes if in the mood, but also as an incredible show piece. It is closing in on 30 years old but looks and sounds like it just rolled out of the factory!

I have not decided yet on the T+A AMP8. I might sell it??? The KEF R400b sub I will be putting up for sale. It is part of the newly designed R series. I will also probably be selling the AQ Earth XLR cables. I just have to get some time to put together these ads.

[Jack]

Randy

If you look to replace the sub at some point look for one that can be connected both line and speaker level like the REL's or the Rythmik's.

[Randy Myers]

Thanks Jack. That is what I was also thinking. At this time I do not believe I will miss the sub. When I had stand mounted speakers it was definitely required, but with the floor standing speakers, in my smallish loft library, it really is not needed. Been listening with just the R700s the past few days and I seem to get all the low end I need. I have noticed that the bass really comes into focus after the Had pre-amp has been on for about 20 minutes or so.

[Mike B.]

Handsome amps Randy. I tried a 845 based SET amp out of curiosity. It was around 25 watts per. I just couldn't find any advantage to keep it. I threw several sets of speakers and cords at it with no success. I went back to a much more powerful class AB setup.

[Randy Myers]

I am anxious to try them out. They are 45 watt amps and I believe they should power my speakers just fine. I know the 80 WPC T+A gives me way more than enough power, and my classic McIntosh with 100 WPC is also available if/when I get in the mood. Currently I have decided to keep both. The Mc is more on display since it is Museum quality and the T+A will be sitting right in between the Audio Mirrors if I want to do a quick switch.

And I agree, they should look gorgeous.

I do not listen very loud and my room is semi-small, so I am thinking SET mono blocks at 45 watts will probably be enough.

[AJ Soundfield]

I do not listen very loud and my room is semi-small, so I am thinking SET mono blocks at 45 watts will probably be enough.

I would think yes, that's plenty power and they look really nice too. Need some glowing pics now

[Randy Myers]

Hehe AJ. When they arrive (scheduled for tomorrow)! I am thinking with the Dennis Had pre-amp gorgeous look and glow, these should look real nice!

[Randy Myers]

I have listened to these amps for a day now. They are absolutely amazing. Plenty of power... imagining is beyond amazing... very full, very nice bottom end... acoustics, vocals, etc., are stunning.. open, smooth, rich...

I found out a few other things about the amps. I wrote Audio Mirror and asked if I could ask a couple questions even though I purchased them second hand. Vladimir told me everything about the amps:

They have a switch to help with hum if you have an issue with it. I don't and he said usually people do not and it is almost always related to wiring in the house.

They have another switch made to burn in new tubes, or "baked" as Vladimir calls it; should be done for 12-15 hours with new tubes.

He said the pair I have were custom made with both SE and XLR inputs (and a switch to choose). Also, normally there is only one output tap set at 6 ohms which should work for most everything fine, however on the one I have the customer insisted both 4 ohm and 8 ohm taps... the amp is about one year old... has some marks but all in all looks pretty darn impressive.

The amps are auto-bias and have LEDs to indicate if the amp goes into protection mode or indicate which tube has gone bad.

[joeinid]

Congratulations Randy! Tubes rule! So happy for you.

[Randy Myers]

Thanks Joe. Pretty stoked about these amps!

[Mr Peabody]

Sound like really nice amps, glad you are happy with them.

[Randy Myers]

I would think yes, that's plenty power and they look really nice too. Need some glowing pics now

Ok AJ... Hard to get good photos of the "glow". Couple quick shots, but I would have to get out the tri-pod, etc., to do any better. Was not into doing that .



These photos don't really show the "glow", which is kind of spectacular on these amps ....

[joeinid]

Wow, what beautiful amps. Well done Randy.

[Dth31]

Congratulations Randy. Bet you’re going to be very happy with those amps!

[Randy Myers]

They are gorgeous... one of these days I have to pull out the tri-pod and get some super low light photos. The "glow" on these amps are stunning. I have also position the McIntosh in between them if I feel like a quick solid state McIntosh fix! I can do a pretty quick switch over.

[joeinid]

Randy,

It’s always fun to see what you come up with next. I bet these are keepers. Once the SET bug hits, there’s no turning back. Enjoy!

[AJ Soundfield]

Looking good Randy, enjoy some music now!

[bart]

Terrific amps Randy!
Congrats and enjoy them for a looooong time!
I'm a convert to tubes since 3 years. Happily so.

[Randy Myers]

Hey Bart, glad to join the ranks, and thank you. So far I am loving them. I think I should probably pick up some tubes, to make sure to have backups.

The Absolute Sound new issue gave them a recommended component award... love what they had to say... review forth coming!

[aKnyght]

congratulations!! 6c33c tubes are just fantastic output tubes. fwiw, in my experience it pays to get matched sets.

also, you can have a lot of fun rolling the 6sn7 and 6sl7 tubes -- NOS rca tubes are the sweet spot.

[Randy Myers]

Nice... and thanks.

I have to get 4x 6sn7 because because both the Dennis Had and the Audio Mirror use them. I also have to pickup 2x 6sl7 for the Audio Mirror and 4x 6c33c... this is to make sure I have extra tubes. The only ones I have extra of at this point is the rectifier for the Had.... I am using a Phillips and also have both a Westinghouse and a JJ as backup. Everything being used in both pieces are NOS currently. the Had has 2x Sylvania 6sn7, and I believe both of the other tubes in the Audio Mirror are GE, but I am not 100% positive on that.

[Randy Myers]

I have been listening to these gorgeous SET amps for about a week now. Yesterday I re-hooked my McIntosh amp, more or less as a test. The Mc sounds wonderful; very much what I would call the Mc sound. I could easily live with this amplifier without worry.

But, compared to the Audio Mirror amps there is definitely something missing. Trying to put my finger on it... The SET amps just sound more natural, insane sound stage, and depth. Instruments just sound how they should. Not that the McIntosh does not, but the SET just takes it to a different level. If I were to put a single phrase to it I would say that the Audio Mirror just sounds more musical!

I really like the sound of the McIntosh... but I instantly noticed the difference and sat there listening trying to put my finger exactly on what I was hearing; and what I was hearing was just so much more inviting, smooth, hearing the impact on the piano strings being hit, feeling the natural wood of a stand up base...

Very nice indeed!

[Randy Myers]

A few guys from our audio club came over the other day. We listened for quite some time and they were all blown away by the Audio Mirror amps. They felt the separation and imaging is simply stunning. Very natural and they could not believe how much impact and fullness there was in the low end. They did not expect that from SET amplifiers.

The one thing that they all agreed on was that the system sounded better running the amps straight off the T+A, not using the Dennis Had unit as a pre-amp. One described it as more dynamic, like the Had was making things a bit too mild or holding the amps back somewhat... more air, better presentation, etc. So the Dragon Inspire goes back to being a fantastic headphone amp. It did a nice job, but obviously the pre-amp outputs were added as an after thought. Not an integral part of the design from the get go.

[Kingrex]

I'm not familiar with the T&A but I assumed you were talking the DAC and it has a preamp built-in.
Have you tried running audio mirror with any other preamp in front

[Randy Myers]

Yes the T+A DAC which has a highly rated pre-amp section built in (both SE and XLR outputs). I did use the Dennis Had which is mainly a headphone amp but has SE pre-amp outputs. I have not used any other pre-amp with the Audio Mirror amps yet. I am planning on eventually trying a different pre-amp, but this will have to wait a bit. I have not even thought about what I would want to look for in a pre-amp. For now the T+A is doing a great job!

[Kingrex]

Thanks, I've been curious about this amp. They're pretty affordable even as new. I'm a little frustrated with my personal amps now. I just don't know why I'm getting humming and the process of figuring it out can cost thousands of dollars. Of course in the end the amps I have now are pretty spectacular compared to others I have had in my system such as Conrad Johnson, Rogue or Rega

[Randy Myers]

The Audio Mirrors are spectacular in my view. The guys from the audio club that came over were also pretty impressed! They had to take photos of them since they are also gorgeous!

[joeinid]

Awesome Randy. The beauty and pleasure of SET. There's nothing like it!

[Mike]

Randy has been bitten by the tube bug....and the SET tube bug at that.

Glad you’re enjoying them. I bet they’re wonderful.

[Randy Myers]

Yea... I would say I am enjoying them , the T+A DAC 8 DSD is doing a fine job as a pre-amp also!

[Randy Myers]

A good friend who is a real tube hound researched and recommended some tubes for rolling. I got a nice set of Phillips NOS 6SL7's from Hong Kong... Solid improvement.

I tried my Sylvannia 6SN7's but liked the NOS that came with them best. However I just received the RCA VT-231/6SN7's Gray Glass.... NICE!... nice improvement indeed! A backup set of 6c33c's are coming from Russia.. Hopefully should be set for a while... friend wants be bring some of his collection over to roll in !

[jadedavid]

When I had these amps, the best tube combo that I found to really kick them up several notches was Tung-Sol black glass 6SL7's and RCA VT-99's (6F8G's) with an adapter in the 6SN7 position.
Changing the output capacitors to V-Caps really made them sing.
Nice amps as stock but with a little coaxing they can shine.
Enjoy your journey.

[Randy Myers]

The new issue of The Absolute Sound has a review of these amps. Read it last night. Excellent review!

[Kingrex]

I could not pull the trigger on the Mirror. I bought the Ampsandsound Casablanca.