Khorn
12-09-2002, 01:07 PM
For the last few years I have been using a tube pre-amp (a N.E.W. P3) with a N.E.W. pure class 'A' SS amplifier. The sound of this combo was so good that even though I had tried out various other SS pre-amps I always went back to the P3. As a matter of fact I bought and sold P3s three different times.
The reason I wanted to go SS was the fact that I use very sensitive speakers that reveal any slight noise in the electronics and tubes generate a certain amount of noise that get progressively louder as they age. The up side to tubes is the "Musicality" and harmonic structure they impart to the sound that, I couldn't seem to get from SS. Not until now that is. Also, in my new living situation I am sitting closer to the speakers than I used to.
Recently a friend knowing my situation suggested that I try a pre-amp that he is involved with. It was SS and made in Germany by a company called Accustic Arts. He wanted my opinion as to how it would sound in my particular system. I agreed, bad mistake :)
To cut to the chase, this unit bested my former tube pre in every way as far as sonic attributes go from bottom end to dynamics and resolution while at the same time retaining the proper harmonic musical sound and warmth, there is none of the cold harsh edge sometimes associated with SS. The S/N is absolutely amazing, I can press my ear right up to the mid or tweeter horns and have trouble detecting any sound whatsoever from the electronics.
As far as the musical 'picture' or "sound stage", it was a wider one and I guess the best way I can describe it in comparison to the P3 is this way: Picture yourself in an auditorium attending a live acoustic concert. when listening to the P3 it was like you were seated lets say about 15 rows back. In comparison when listening to the same material through the Accustic Arts its like you are in maybe the fifth or sixth row. I guess whether you like that is a matter of personal taste.
The fit and finish of this unit is first rate as you would expect from something produced in Germany and as a bonus it matches my Sony SCD1 in colour and style.
Needless to say this unit is staying in my system, I really wasn't expecting this unit to sound as good as it does. Solid State has come a long way and to say that I am impressed with this unit is an understatement.
The reason I wanted to go SS was the fact that I use very sensitive speakers that reveal any slight noise in the electronics and tubes generate a certain amount of noise that get progressively louder as they age. The up side to tubes is the "Musicality" and harmonic structure they impart to the sound that, I couldn't seem to get from SS. Not until now that is. Also, in my new living situation I am sitting closer to the speakers than I used to.
Recently a friend knowing my situation suggested that I try a pre-amp that he is involved with. It was SS and made in Germany by a company called Accustic Arts. He wanted my opinion as to how it would sound in my particular system. I agreed, bad mistake :)
To cut to the chase, this unit bested my former tube pre in every way as far as sonic attributes go from bottom end to dynamics and resolution while at the same time retaining the proper harmonic musical sound and warmth, there is none of the cold harsh edge sometimes associated with SS. The S/N is absolutely amazing, I can press my ear right up to the mid or tweeter horns and have trouble detecting any sound whatsoever from the electronics.
As far as the musical 'picture' or "sound stage", it was a wider one and I guess the best way I can describe it in comparison to the P3 is this way: Picture yourself in an auditorium attending a live acoustic concert. when listening to the P3 it was like you were seated lets say about 15 rows back. In comparison when listening to the same material through the Accustic Arts its like you are in maybe the fifth or sixth row. I guess whether you like that is a matter of personal taste.
The fit and finish of this unit is first rate as you would expect from something produced in Germany and as a bonus it matches my Sony SCD1 in colour and style.
Needless to say this unit is staying in my system, I really wasn't expecting this unit to sound as good as it does. Solid State has come a long way and to say that I am impressed with this unit is an understatement.