Opinions on Hovland HP 100

I was interested in taking the line on until I heard it. When I listened to the Hovland I did not like it. I found it noisy and wooly. Maybe it was a synergy thing with the rest of the equipment, but I doubt it. The preamp is one of the most beautiful components I have seen, but sonically is was disappointing.

There are plenty of real good preamps, listen to as many as you can with your equipment.

Try listening to the Thor, BAT, Aesthetix or CAT. They are all quite good.

I just purchased one, although I cannot be a lot of help to you as I was using the ML 383 integrated before. I am using a "cheapo" amp while waiting for my amp. The performance of the Hovland with this "cheapo" amp is quite good! I have none of the noisy and wooly affects as described above.

As a side note, I would find it hard to believe that every review, that I have read, is wrong. Stereophile, TAS and Soundstage have all given it rave reviews, Soundstage adding it to their elite Reviewers Choice awards.

Before spending ANY amount of money on a preamp - you ought to ask around or post to various boards (like Audio Asylum) to request information on the Supratek Syrah & Chardonnay preamps.

The product is relatively new - but a review in Ultimate Audio is due out early in 2002. I myself have not listened to the preamp but have purchased one simply based upon the fact that several listeners with 200K + systems who I know and trust all have used and recommend this preamp. They suggest it's the best thing available under 20K.

The preamp is criminally cheap at $2100 - new. And can be built with a few (unpublished) options - I had to beg but I got them to make mine with a remote volume control, cinema bypass and XLR outputs.

You can check out the Supratek website on the link below:

Supratek Triodes

The Hovland is a very good preamp. It is smooth, quite neutral and has a liquid midrange. It has the best highs which I have ever heard from a preamp. I did not find it "wooly". The dynamics which it is capable of are only average to below average. Additionally, it is absolutely lacking in bass power, weight and extension. Despite the fact that it does several things quite well, including the highs, which is where I consider it A-1, I would say that there are others which are better overall. I would look very carefully before buying the Hovland. To the suggestions of top-of-the-line preamps I would add the First Sound Presence Audio Linestage. I would also say that I auditioned the Aesthetix Callisto head-to-head with the Hovland and I liked the Hovland better than it.

HI: Please keep in mind that the HP-100 is about three (3) to four (4) years old. There are several iterations in the pipeline even though all of them are "HP-100". The newer versions are much improved in the bass. I did not find the dymamics lacking. Personally I liked them. I have a unit that is about a year to a year and 1/2 old. I am planning to send it back for some changes that improve the bass. Mine is ok but it could be better in the bass. After the upgrade it will be the same unit reviewed by the Absolute Sound. They are quite resonable for their update cost. Any other company would have called it a Mark II and charge $600 more for the upgrade. As it is they only charge $140.00

Make sure you compare the Newer versions.

Good Luck