Anyone with Aric Audio experience?


Over the past 2.5 years I have been updating my system which I originally started building  in the late 1990's to early 2000's. (My system is in my profile) Two of the last pieces of that era in the system is the VAC CLA1 Mk III Preamp which has been serviced twice these past 1.5 years, once for an upgrade to Mk III and once to replace resister's,  I also have a VAC Renaissance 70/70 amp which was updated to a Signature 1 year ago but this past week I lost the left channel output so it's going back to Florida with me from Michigan to get repaired while i am down there. (I just re tubed it too) I think that although these are both great sounding to this day I may want to keep them as spares for the future or as Kevin refers to them as Museum Pieces. 

I don't think I would be happy long term with solid state as I can run my speakers internally amped and the Wavelet as the pre, which I have tried and it's just not for me. Even with the amp down when i just run the VAC preamp and the speakers self powered  I prefer it that way. But immediately sensed something missing once the amp was taken out of the chain to be boxed for repair. I just prefer tubes. Well unfortunately I cannot afford to replace with up to date VAC components due to my restricted retired income and the cost. I don't want to take a chance on sourcing used units as I really just want to be done here and enjoy without risk.

 

I've researched  Aric Audio and this looks like a pairing I can integrate into my rig and be happy long term. Seems that I get the impression that those that have his stuff are happy from what I have gleaned on these forums. I am in communication with Aric via email to find the right Amp and Preamp to suit my speakers. Since I already have a 300B based amp was looking for something else he makes. Maybe with 20-50 WPC. My speakers require at least 10 and i am currently at 65 with the VAC.

 

So if anyone has bought anything from Aric how happy are you with them and have they been reliable and satisfying to your ears? This is going to take me quite a while to save for so I will just use what I have until i can buy their replacements. The good news is the speakers can be self powered and the Wavelet can be a preamp if needed. That was my contingency plan for "spares"

 

Thank you for any insight.

Happy New Year!

128x128fthompson251

Thank you all, this is very encouraging. The Motherload II XL is on the list with one of his amps. Aric responded to my very detailed email and will be getting back to me later with his advice, he's building some amps today.  I appreciate the confirmation I am headed in the right direction.

I'm a happy customer of Aric's also.I bought a Transcend PP 5 or 6 years ago and would never part with it.I have it on every evening for an hour or two. Never had any problems with it.

Another thrilled customer here. I bought his Motherlode XL preamp and was so impressed had him build me a pair of the Super KT Parallel amps. Together they are dynamic, dead quiet, detailed, beautiful tone, and very musically engaging. 
 

Parts and build quality are first rate. I’m now considering adding his phono stage. 

I have the Phono/pre, Pre and Amp. For about 2 1/2 years now. Did not fail in my move from MI to MC. Flawless with an SUT. Are use NOS tubes from Brent Jesse.

Incredible

Bent
 

 

I am a tube guy also, going through the ups and downs with tubes,you never know what’s going on when you turn the tube amp on..For playing around, tubes can be fun but for serious music listening solid state is the way to go. You don’t have to replace tubes and SS goes for decades…if you want a solid state that sounds close to a tube amp the First Watt amps made by Nelson Pass is the way to go…you will never have a problem… tubes are for fun,solid state for serious listening!