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  1. #1
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    INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Just came across one of these, on AG (240v ); first time seeing them.

    Thing of beauty. I found a post here http://audioshark.org/vacuum-tubes-v...fier-3704.html but they seem to come up, few and far between.

    No website, that I can see. What's the story on these little gems?
    CD

    DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s

  2. #2
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    A kt150 set.....cool!!!
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  3. #3
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    radioman731 | eBay

    Hey Chris,

    You can send am email to Dennis through ebay and see what he says. It could be great.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

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  4. #4
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    that is one cool looking little amp.
    Steve

    TUBES & VINYL
    Is there anything else?

    Rega/Ortofon/Viva 300b/KR

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  5. #5
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Quote Originally Posted by Petro85 View Post
    that is one cool looking little amp.
    He has a few design circuits (just Google https://www.google.com/search?q=insp...w=1280&bih=879). I see EL-84s, 6L6s...88s, 300Bs, etc, etc.

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    radioman731 | eBay

    Hey Chris,

    You can send am email to Dennis through ebay and see what he says. It could be great.
    Awesome! I just might do that.
    CD

    DAC/Pre-amp - PSAudio DsJ > Power-amp - > Speakers - PMC TwentyFive 23s

  6. #6

    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    I would absolutely love to see Dennis Had build a tube phono pre on the level of the SLP-05.
    Anthony
    Analog: VPI Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Kuzma 4Point/Ortofon A95> ASR Basis Exclusive HV---->

    Digital: Antipodes CX (Oladra Upgrade)> Cary DMS-600 DAC/Streamer---->
    ...........Cary 306 SACD Professional Disc Player---->

    ===> Cary SLP-05 (Ultimate Upgrade edition)----> Clayton M-300----> MARTIN LOGAN SPIRES/REL 212SX x2

    [Synergistic Research/Nordost/Wireworld/Furutech/SRA/Adona/Stillpoints/Track Audio/GIK Acoustics]

  7. #7
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    New Dennis Had 45.

    I just received a new 45 amp from Dennis which he says is his new favorite... And it's really an amazing piece. I think it's about 2 watts per channel, but he's not confirmed. No problem driving Shindo speakers which are 16 ohm and 100db. An almost ethereal sound! I also have his 6v6 Inspire amp which will play a wide assortment of tubes, up through the KT150s.

    Attached Images Attached Images
    Bill

    Shindo Giscours
    Shindo Western Electric 300b
    Shinoo Petite Latour (FC)
    AMG Viella V12 Etna (Erodion) and Teatro (Bob's Sky @ 1:20)
    Lumin S1



    Devialet 200
    Aries
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  8. #8

    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Is Dennis Had from Cary Audio? If so, Did he leave them or is this another venture?

    I have a pair of the Cary 2A3 Signature Monoblocks. (approaching 15 years old).

    Larry
    Analog-VPIClassic3-3DArm,Lyra Skala+MiyajimaZeroMono,2xAmpex ATR-102,Otari MX5050B2, Merrill Trident Tape Preamp, Herron VTPH-2A&BottleheadPhonoPre,
    Dig Rip-Pyramix,IzotopeRX3Adv,MykerinosCard,PacificMicroso nicsModel2 AD
    Dig Play-Lampi Horizon, mch NADAC Roon/HQPlayer,Oppo105
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  9. #9
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Quote Originally Posted by astrotoy View Post
    Is Dennis Had from Cary Audio? If so, Did he leave them or is this another venture?

    I have a pair of the Cary 2A3 Signature Monoblocks. (approaching 15 years old).

    Larry
    Larry, Yes, it is the same Dennis. I don't know the whole story, but he sold out some time ago and hand makes a few amps in his "retirement". He basically makes them to order and sells them on eBay. I picked up a 6v6 a year ago and it so impressed me that when he said try the 45, I jumped on it. (I really want the Pass 30.8, too. I'll be set between the Shindo Cortese, Dennis' amps, and the Pass) I'd also REALLY want the Shindo 300b.

    Attached Images Attached Images
    Bill

    Shindo Giscours
    Shindo Western Electric 300b
    Shinoo Petite Latour (FC)
    AMG Viella V12 Etna (Erodion) and Teatro (Bob's Sky @ 1:20)
    Lumin S1



    Devialet 200
    Aries
    Harbeth C7




  10. #10
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Congrats! Dennis is such a nice guy. So enthusiastic. Would love to hear his latest creations.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  11. #11

    INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    [QUOTE=Loop4fun;118472]Larry, Yes, it is the same Dennis. I don't know the whole story, but he sold out some time ago and hand makes a few amps in his "retirement". He basically makes them to order and sells them on eBay. I picked up a 6v6 a year ago and it so impressed me that when he said try the 45, I jumped on it. (I really want the Pass 30.8, too. I'll be set between the Shindo Cortese, Dennis' amps, and the Pass) I'd also REALLY want the Shindo 300b./QUOTE ]

    Any follow up on the 45 amp? Thinking of trying a low powered SET to compliment my 845 amps. This, or a 2A3, version would be a great option at a very reasonable price point.

  12. #12
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    This 45 is AWESOME plus, as Mike said, Dennis is a joy to work with. I'd recommend it highly if you have speakers that are highly efficient. I'm using both 80 year old RCA 45 and new EML 45 solid plates.
    Bill

    Shindo Giscours
    Shindo Western Electric 300b
    Shinoo Petite Latour (FC)
    AMG Viella V12 Etna (Erodion) and Teatro (Bob's Sky @ 1:20)
    Lumin S1



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    Aries
    Harbeth C7




  13. #13

    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Thanks for the quick response!

    Was really going to ask him about a 2A3 or 6B4G version of the 45 model. Shouldn't be more than a few different resisters and output transformer.

    Speakers are 96dB so I know I'm pushing it with the sub 4W amps but I will be keeping the 845s so I have more than enough punch when the music requires. Really curious about the lower powered SET with the right music.

    My listening space is isolated with a noise floor around 23dB and not huge (15x19x10.5) which should help.

    Fun stuff for sure.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

  14. #14

    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Finally jumped in. Picked up Dennis' last 45 "Firebottle". Here is the email I sent back to him after some initial listening.

    Dennis,
    I wanted to give you a little bit of an update. I have had more time than expected to play around this week so i thought I would pass along my first thoughts.

    Most listening was done with the same four tracks, all vinyl:

    Lou Reed Transformer: Walk On the Wild Side-current release pressing
    Nat King Cole The Very Thought of You: The Very Thought of You-45 rpm Analogue Productions reissue
    My Brightest Diamond All Things Will Unwind: Be Brave-current release
    Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti: Kashmir-current reissue (unfortunately I was in med school when the Classic Record reissues happened, managed to score only 3 of them scrapping pennies together)

    Started with the Philco globes and RCA 5Z3,
    then RCA ST's with RCA 80,
    finally back to the Thoeress 845's

    Turned each combo on in the morning and let them warm up all day and listened in the evening

    Started with the Philco Globes figuring lets see what this Type 45 tube thing is all about. Definitely lost about 1/2 an octave on the bottom across the recordings, but as always, sins of omission are the most tolerable. Either slightly rolled at top, or more tolerable of less than perfect recordings. Wasn't expecting this given the frequent description of "transparency" with the 45s. I found myself leaving the volume up during passages I previously turned down where the treble was bothersome. However, there was a certain "rightness" to all the tracks.

    Lou Reed: Nice uniform bass line, full sound with good resonance of the bass notes. Vocals spooky real. Saxophone solo had more bite to it in a good way, just like a live player digging into a few notes. Played for my father in law. Was floored at the 1.8W at work, was walking around between the speakers afterwords pointing out the apparent locations of the instruments.
    Nat King Cole: Nice underhand pitch for the 45's, as expected, knocked it out of the park, Nat is just there in the room. Vocal track blended better with backing orchestral tracks than before. Less congested in midrange. Nice ambient sounds even if a studio recording.
    My Brightest Diamond: Probably haven't heard this before, but nicely mixes excellent vocals with mixed acoustic instruments, both rock and classical. Really noticed missing bottom 1/2 octave, bass clarinet missing a little weight. Again vocals are relaxed and real.
    Led Zeppelin: Biggest surprise of all. Have only listened to this reissue twice as I have generally found the recording poorly done and sound at times quite irritating, thin, and generally lacking drive/weight. I don't know why I grabbed it, but I did. Certainly did not fill in the sense of hollowness. But I found myself very engaged finally. The louder sections that had been bright/irritating now came across as a realistic bite instead, especially the vocals and screams. Actually had one of those hair raising moments. Now it didn't make the recording magically superb, but it pulled me into the recording far more than ever before.

    Next was ST/80 combo. The difference between the Globe/5Z3 combo where subtle at best but there. In general I think it lost a little of that "45" magic. A little more weight/heft in the lower end, lower 1/2 octave still not there but a fuller presentation. Treble a hair more extended also, but creeps ever so slightly back toward the "bright" sound the Globe combo had eased/eliminated. Little more drive on the Lou Reed/Zeppelin. Again this is really splitting hairs. Certainly would not confuse the presentation for anything other than a 45 SET.

    Back to the Thoeress 845's. These are much in the vein of the Cary 805's, big monoblock SET, massive custom hand wound transformer (by the designer/builder), stacks of oil caps etc. As expected there was a fuller sound from top to bottom. Bottom 1/2 octave came back as well as a general fullness to the presentation. Soundstage a little bigger and much denser. However, midrange is a little too dense and congested in comparison (speakers are probably not it there final resting place in the room which may have some effect there also).

    Lou Reed: Bass now sounds like you are in the studio with the bass player, more detailed resonance of the strings, powerful. Probably more accurate, but certainly not would you would hear live in a concert setting. Vocals are great but not as spooky at 45's. Saxophone now has a little edge at the crescendo.
    Nat King Cole: Vocal still great, in the room again. More apparent of 3 track recording, vocal/orchestral doesn't blend as well. however larger sound from orchestra tracks.
    My Brightest Diamond: Lower octave really noticed, more drive which suits music. Clarinet takes on more presence. But again, more like being in the studio with the performers.
    Led Zeppelin: As alluded too, not my favorite track with this amp. Just a too thin up top and irritating at times. Definitely more weight, drive, fuller bass but still not drawn in as much as with 45's. Biggest surprise of all!

    So that's my short take. Really interested in hearing your take on the EML 45's. If they can fill in that bottom octave and give a little more weight to the over all presentation my current amps are in trouble. The combo of the Globe and EML 45 could give the 1-2 punch to cover most musical tastes. Actually have already had the thought about selling the 845's to fund a planned turntable upgrade sooner than expected.

    Matt




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  15. #15
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    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Matt, I'm sure these amps are system dependent. I'm getting great (natural) bass from my 45 using the RCA globes. I'll put the EML solids in and see if I get a more authority down low. Right now I'm listening the Don Cherry, Art Deco and its just "right". The AMG, Etna, Erodion, Giscours phono stage, and very high efficient speakers all contribute to the bass response.



    Attached Images Attached Images
    Bill

    Shindo Giscours
    Shindo Western Electric 300b
    Shinoo Petite Latour (FC)
    AMG Viella V12 Etna (Erodion) and Teatro (Bob's Sky @ 1:20)
    Lumin S1



    Devialet 200
    Aries
    Harbeth C7




  16. #16

    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Do you think he would make a pair of mono blocks ? Also how efficient would my speakers need to be to perform properly ? My current speakers are 90db into 8ohm load. Focal Sopra 2's. I've sent him a message via eBay but haven't heard back . Thinking about Devore's Gibbon X as well. 91.5 into 8.5ohm load
    Industry Disclosure: Owner Epiphanic Audio. Bespoke 2 channel resource in Virginia Beach VA. Dealer for darTZeel and other great brands.

  17. #17

    Re: INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    When I've listened to DeVore's I was surprised at how much volume they needed as per their rating.

  18. #18
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    INSPIRE Amps by Dennis Had

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    When I've listened to DeVore's I was surprised at how much volume they needed as per their rating.
    +1. Maybe Atkinson's measurements are correct, but I know this has been a topic of discussion before. Not sure.

    "My estimate of the DeVore's sensitivity was somewhat lower, at 91dB(B)/2.83V/m"

    Read more at http://www.stereophile.com/content/d...Yh8pIMxVoCb.99
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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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