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Amplifier reviews from Hardesty's

The current issue of Richard Hardesty's quarterly publication, "Audio Perfectionist Journal", is devoted to reviews of some of the best high-end audio amps available. The following amps that fell generally in the top ranking are: ARC V100 Mk3; Ayre V-5x; Parasound Halo JC1 monoblocks; Nagra VPA; Theta Citadel monoblocks; Theta Dreadnaught II; and VTL 450 monoblocks.

The second group of amps that fell in the very good but not outstanding category were: Anthem PVA7 (MSRP: $1500); Arcam P7; BAT VK-6200; Linn Klimax Solo 500; and Classe CAV-500.

Also mentioned were the following amps that were NOT recommended: B&K 7250; Integra Research RDA-7; and Linn AV5125.

The amps were tested and evaluated by Hardesty and Shane Buettner, who also reviews gear for TAS. The two amps which garnered the highest praise were the Ayre V-5X (a 150 wpc stereo model that sells for $4500), and the Theta Citadel monoblocks (rated at 400 watts, and priced at $15,000 for the pair).

Some sample comments (which I've summarized to save space):
1. The V-5x: "Simply an awesome amplifier, although a bit light in the bass compared to the other amps. Plush, dead quiet background, outstanding image focus and dimensionality, and a highly resolved mid-range. One of the best amplifiers I've ever heard with regard to focusing musicians in space convincingly. The V-5x has a pure and liquid sound that's less "hi-fi" than is typical of solid state. The Theta Citadels, at nearly $16,000, are the only solid-state amps I've heard that match, and slightly exceed, the V-5x's combination of liquid musicality and resolving power. At its price point, the V-5X is a revelation. The V-5x is one of the best power amps available at any price. I've never heard anything with more midrange resolution or better image focus. It's quiet and refined, and exceptionally clean, pure and musical. You have to spend a lot more to get only slightly better performance."
2. Theta Citadel monoblocks: "A no-holds-barred monoblock. The Citadels, by comparison to the Dreadnaught, have better bass, improved midrange resolution, and an airier, more extended top end. They have layers of front to back depth, resolution, and utterly convincing image focus and dimensionality. The sound is also as pure and musical as I've heard from a solid state amp, with the natural, liquid, non-fatiguing sound of tube gear. As excellent as the other amps in this survey are, the Citadels are a cut above them all." Richard Hardesty adds his own footnote to the review, saying: "The Citadels are the best amplifiers I've heard. The provided deal silent backgrounds like the Ayre, holographic imaging that used to be strictly the province of tubes, and bass control and impact that you could never get from tubes..."

The Parasound Halo JC 1's and the Theta Dreadnaught also drew very positive comments, finishing very close to the the Ayre and the Citadels.

I invite our members to add their own reactions and comments to those of Hardesty and Buettner.
sdcampbell
agaffer
256 posts
 
The Audio Perfectionist is a interesting publication, and draws interesting comments. Many people interested in building a stereo system would like to have a source for information that will help them make decisions and not go through the expense, like most of us have, of trial and error and constant upgrades. A source that isn't influenced by advertiseing dollars and is willing to state what works and what doesn't.
The Audio Perfectionist fits that bill. The only source of income is from the readers, no adds. The trade off is not every manufacturer is willing to supply a demo product, and there is only the two guys with limited time doing the demos. On the plus side they both listen to the product so it isn't just one persons opinion and between them they have plently of experience.
Do they have bias toward certain products. Absolutly but, the bias is based on their likes and dislikes not advertisement dollars. And the bias toward certain products is stated right out front and logical arguements made for the bias.
The series is designed for the budding audiophile, not for someone that has been doing this for decades and has already worked their way through the audiophile maze and pitfalls. Personally, I think that it is a very good series that anybody can benifit from.
bigtee
803 posts
 
I used the Theta Dreadnaught I 4-ch for a while with my Vandersteen 3a Sigs. I found it to be a good overall amp but a trifle soft in the bottom and lacking in the "Jump" factor. Mids and highs were excellent although I felt a touch off in dynamic impact.
I have since switched to a Belles 350a and found it to be the ideal amp for the Vandersteen's in the solid state world. It sounds as holographic with a wide soundstage and true depth and height as the Theta but better dynamically(I'm not talking sock it to the wall, it allows the flow of the music to be alive more) It also sounds more powerful.
I know Hardesty has a distaste for a mosfet output amp but this one sounds as good as any I have heard. Belles use Jfet input, bipolar drivers and mosfet output devices. It is also the simplest looking amp inside with no caps in the signal path.
I'm going to try an Ayre V5x for a comparison. I have tried the JC1's and while they are very good amps, with the 3a Sigs, a giant case of overkill. I agree with hardesty that the depth of these amps are not quite up to the others. Of course a very extended breakin may change that. I do know they're built like a brick house.
husk01
171 posts
 
Very interesting thread. It would be nice to see where the Tenor 150HP, the Rowland 302 and the Dartzeel would fit into their rankings.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
atagi
98 posts
 
i believe that richard hardesty and the apj, truly care about enthusiasts. he always answers my e-mails very,very quickly and honestly. while some may not agree with his views, i appreciate his desire to provide us with information that is free from ulterior motivation. whether or not you subscribe to his vision of high-end audio, you must give him credit for giving us the opportunity to learn about our hobby from a different base. i think of him as the finacial advisor who tells you to buy mutual funds vs. the stock broker trying to rake in commissions.

bigtee: i would be very interested in your comparison of the belles/ayre. please post your impressions. they are always appreciated.

aloha keith
tombowlus
416 posts
 
Sdcampbell, do you know if they also reviewed the Theta Enterprise monoblocks? I know that it came out after the Citadel, and is slotted between the Citadels and the Dreadnaught II. I own a pair, and many of the characteristics which Hardesty applies to the Citadel seem to ring true to my experience with the Enterprises. I also own a Theta Intrepid, which I use for HT, and it is quite impressive in its own regard.
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