Kiwi_1282001,
What was the hybrid amplification you refer to in your review that you were comparing the Rowland unit to with the MBLs? |
I think I'm in love with the VAC Phi Beta. It is quite the stunning piece.
And that was before I saw the favorable comparisons with Halle Berry over at sixmoons.
I've heard other VAC amps recently and was similarly impressed.
Can somebody tell me how well the Phi Beta might fare driving a pair of Ohm Walsh 5s? These present a somewhat challenging load and love to suck amps and power from SS amps normally.
I notice the PB is rated at same power output into 2, 4 and 8 ohms, which sounds promising. Could damping factor be an issue?
Thanks. |
Tvad,
That's my fear as well. I was hoping someone would convince me otherwise.
D___! |
Is the INT 150 the Pass model we're talking about?
Is there another Pass integrated besides this one? |
The Pass sounds wonderful.
I'm still thinking though that the Rowland 500w/ch Class D is probably the best high end match for my big power sucking Ohms.
I almost went straight to Class D power amplification during my last upgrade, but decided to go with the Musical Fidelity A3CR which I picked up for a pittance in the interim in that I thought it would work well (it does) and give Class D some additional time to mature.
The A3CR is doing very nicely, but when the time comes to replace the Carver pre-amp, one of these beefier integrateds with a good integrated phono section may well be the way I go . |
"the Ohms may well DEMAND it"
Yes, this is for certain. They would love the 500w/ch doubling into 4 ohms, high current, and damping. There is little doubt in my mind.
They are very forgiving however once you meet this demand. They impart their highly coherent omni-like sound to almost any decent piece of equipment properly matched. Better pieces will deliver their unique qualities as well, but the Ohms are so inherently lifelike that a listeners priorities regarding the sound they are used to might well change.
I asked John Strohbeen at Ohm what amp to go with for the Ohm 5s. He suggested NAD as a good value option. I've had NAD stuff. Not the most coveted of gear for audiophiles, but I am sure a good NAD on the Ohms would compete well with much higher end electronics on many other speaker designs.
The highly regarded pre-amp section (including phono) on the Rowland adds value for it in my case with the Ohms on my current system. |
I get by very well, especially in the small 12X12 room the big Ohms are currently in, with the ~ 120w/ch Musical Fidelity A3CR that also doubles into 4 ohm.
In my larger room that I also like to use them in, (~30X20, L shaped, the A3CR still goes plenty loud, but 500w/ch doubling would add even more meat to the bones and go as loud as ever needed. I had a lower current Carver amp that did over 300 w/ch prior, but only did marginally more into 4 ohm. It went as loud as could ever be wanted, but did not take control of the Walsh driver fully at lower volumes, making for a noticeably thinner sound
I'm leaning towards the Rowland as the best no compromise solution in my case. There is even a dealer not too far away in DC I believe.
Do you know if Rowland has a satisfaction guaranteed policy of any kind? Its probably determined more by the dealer, I would guess. |
Guidocorona,
Yes, I know.
In line with the topic of this thread, I believe the Rowland 500w/ch Class D integrated with phono would be the best sounding with the Ohm 5s.
I also really like that VAC Phi Beta though!
The thing is I'm pretty happy with what I have at present, so I am not inclined to jump at anything right away even though I would expect a significant improvement on several fronts. Also, I have 2 kids still to put through college....
If something in my system dies unexpectedly, I may be there sooner, dude.
Not sure if I'd go new or used in this case yet.
I think I am definitely going to try to check it out at my closest Rowland dealer when I have a chance. Unfortunately, I think it is about 60 miles away though I get in there from time to time.
If only I had no conscience.... |
Perrew,
Good question.
No, I have never heard any of these.
I have researched some pretty well though and would say both the Rowland and Krell qualify.
"Best" is a meaningless term without some context around it though. Best for what application?
Without even having heard it however, if you need the best high power SS integrated at reasonable cost, I would say the Class D based Rowland unit would certainly qualify and be of interest for many. |
Tvad's approach is a sound one.
Match a great amp incorrectly with great speaks and the results will be inferior. Match them well and for a reason and you're playing in the big leagues with many different combos.
Just look at the variety of outstanding systems represented on this site? Which is best sounding?
In the words of the great Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson:
"It doesn't matter which is best!" |
I'm interested in what amplification Kiwi thinks does sound best with the MBLs. Back in accordance with my point that there is no "best", from what I've read their sound in general leans more towards the detailed and analytic side of things, so I could understand the preference for a hybrid design in that case.
Regarding the technical suitability of the Rowland/ICE, I think his review confirmed that the Rowland did take full control of the difficult to drive MBLS, which is what I would expect and even demand, he just had a few reservations about the resulting sound from his perspective. That is why technical fit of components is key, but that alone does not guarantee a match to tastes.
I've never actually heard MBLS, but from what I have read (a lot), they share a difficult to drive, power hungry load with the Ohms and a similar design to some extent, but I suspect the sound from the specialized omni driver array used is much different otherwise. The Ohm Walsh driver is also a unique design but not totally unlike a conventional dynamic design. I think Class D could work very well in the case of the Ohms and produce a sound that one can "warm up to". Tube amplification is right out with either Ohm or MBL I believe do to the difficult load and power consumption. |
Kiwi_1282001,
It indicates you compared to MBL amplification but not what kind of hybrid amp you normally use with your planars?
If the planars are anything like Magnepan, I could relate to how hybrid amplification could add a nice touch, again depending on taste. I would expect the same to be true with MBL speaks.
Personally, I believe discussing the "best" integrated in the context of specific speaker designs and how they are different makes for a more valuable discussion.
|
"but it certainly is not the 'best integrated, period"
Do you consider it to be at least in the same league as the others mentioned here, if not the best, period?
If not in the same league, why? |
Sixmoons had trouble finding any significant faults with the Unico.
And their description is pretty much what one would want to hear regarding a hybrid integrated design (versus tube or "tubeless", like the Rowland.
Maybe not as muscular regarding power output as say the Rowland.
Sounds pretty darn good, if not the best.
Kiwi, do you know if it doubles output into 4 and 2 ohms?
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/unisonresearch/unico_2.html |
How about the Unico 200? Is it in the same league as these others?
Also, how about any of the larger Musical Fidelity integrateds? |
