Any Thoughts On Almarro?
- Thread starter CDLehner
- Start date
ICTWoody
Member
I really want a 318B. My only concern is I've read it runs WICKED HOT and I already shy away from tubes in the Mid-Kansas summers. I'm interested to see what people think as well.
- Woody
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- Woody
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CDLehner
New member
- Thread Author
- #3
Woody...is Finale on your radar? Finale Audio
When it comes time, for a SET in my 2nd system; Decware, Finale, Almarro are the strongest contenders.
When it comes time, for a SET in my 2nd system; Decware, Finale, Almarro are the strongest contenders.
Kt77
New member
Chris,
As I've only played in the SET camp all of three times since 1997, the first was a Cary 300B-SEI, the second said Almarro A318B between 2004/07, and lastly the Audio Renaissance LS-845 MK V, and should add that the A318B was in hindsight one of the most enjoyable experiences in my entire life as feed with a combination of Brimar CV1985/6SL7GTY NOS 1950s and Tung-Sol VT231/6SN7GT Black Glass NOS 1954/57.
It's sound had a purity and clarity to it, that made the other two come across as less able to speak to me more on an emotional level, and while they made sounds, said A318B dug even deeper and actual played notes with a ebb and flow, that could be heard/felt. And in all honesty, 15 different Integrated's in my 32 years in this hobby, this along with maybe one other, are the ones I regretfully sold.
But the most important thing I came away with in using these three Integrated's, was the fact it proved to me, I'm very happy listening to amps rated at under 38 and as low as 18 w/pc, and over the course of the last 2 years, have in fact been very impressed emotionally ( that is ) with a mere 15 w/pc as heard through an EL84 British made integrated, so it's not always about power ratings, if one selects the right speakers, and your room isn't the size of an airplane hanger.
Beautiful sounding amp, and extremely reliable I might add.
As I've only played in the SET camp all of three times since 1997, the first was a Cary 300B-SEI, the second said Almarro A318B between 2004/07, and lastly the Audio Renaissance LS-845 MK V, and should add that the A318B was in hindsight one of the most enjoyable experiences in my entire life as feed with a combination of Brimar CV1985/6SL7GTY NOS 1950s and Tung-Sol VT231/6SN7GT Black Glass NOS 1954/57.
It's sound had a purity and clarity to it, that made the other two come across as less able to speak to me more on an emotional level, and while they made sounds, said A318B dug even deeper and actual played notes with a ebb and flow, that could be heard/felt. And in all honesty, 15 different Integrated's in my 32 years in this hobby, this along with maybe one other, are the ones I regretfully sold.
But the most important thing I came away with in using these three Integrated's, was the fact it proved to me, I'm very happy listening to amps rated at under 38 and as low as 18 w/pc, and over the course of the last 2 years, have in fact been very impressed emotionally ( that is ) with a mere 15 w/pc as heard through an EL84 British made integrated, so it's not always about power ratings, if one selects the right speakers, and your room isn't the size of an airplane hanger.
Beautiful sounding amp, and extremely reliable I might add.
Smp
New member
Without reservation, I agree with Kt77's reply - it does run warm but is a superb unit, massively ignored/underrated primarily because of what it is - "just an integrated". Make no mistake, with well chosen speakers, in an appropriately sized room this is a seriously high quality amplifier, both in sound quality and build. Output valve is the excellent 6C33C. I own one and will never part with it. I understand that with a small change two can be turned into a pair of monoblocs..........that is something I would like to hear.
KeithR
Active member
Hi- I had an Almarro 318B on my high efficiency speakers for several months in between amps. I was less than impressed by its frequency extremes which even per spec, were +-6dbs.