This is the best American amplifier brand there is - Period
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- Опубліковано 24 сер 2021
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#krell - Авто та транспорт
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/48PxwspDvrE/mqdefault.jpg)
Please hit the "like" button. Share the video. Everything you do is greatly appreciated!
@@hifi2169 I've only owned his class d. I wasn't impressed
I am surprised you don't think McIntosh solid state amps don't have great build quality and an amazing sound. They make everything in house, they use all high end quality parts in their amps, and they have a huge following with great reliability. All of the gear is made in their facility in New York including the metal framing and glass.
McIntosh are great. Built like tanks! My macs from the 70s are all original! Never been serviced and still sound great! Autoformers last forever and are low maintenance! Not like a Krell that heats up to cooking levels. The parts will fail after a few years and a rebuilt of those big krells are crazy expensive. I talk from experience
The problem is reviewer narrow focus.
Taste is subjective, but I cannot stand the aesthetics of McIntosh gear. To me it looks like the hifi that the Adams family would buy. Each to their own and I have no negative feelings to anyone who uses McIntosh (a solid and storied brand).
@@agx502That’s the best analogy about the design of Mc-amps I’ve ever seen 😂
I wholeheartedly agree!
@@Tazmanian_Ninja yeah. and I am sure that fans of McIntosh think that it is the type of hifi that Batman would buy. 😂
My Constellation mono's have been flawless for over 5 years.Love them
"Straight from the heart"! I love the honesty shown by Jay, time and time again! Can't wait for the next video.
Thank you
Nice video Jay! I really love your opinion & honesty. It would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on what is the best US made speakers vs the best speakers from the rest of the world!
Boulder is build like a thank and sounds amazing.
I had the chance to hear Audionets top of the line integrated, Humboldt, and let me tell you, that integrated is something else! The best integrated I've heard. Makes you rethink separates.
Not the first time I heard this. I would love to give them a listen
built like a tank
Tank
Love the honesty, and whole heartedly agree. Speaking of affordable Boulder, what did you think of the 1100 + 1160 combo? Any plans to get them in the house?
The new MSB amps are outstanding. I‘ve compared them with probably all big swiss amps (yes, I‘m from Switzerland), such as soulution, CH Precision and so on and the MSB amps (even the entry stereo amp 202) are equally good, if not better. In the top segment, synergy plays a decisive role and decides who wins.
I have been eying the Nagra stuff, how do you feel it compares to the MSB stuff?
One of the best amplifiers I have heard from the USA was a friend of mine had NRG control don't think they are around anymore but they were great 👍👍
Jay, I’d like to thank you. After subscribing and watching every reviewing VDO of yours for over a year, I just bought brand new Gryphon Pandora and Mephisto per your recommendation. Keep up your high quality and honest reviews which I have enjoyed very much. Integrity makes you very different and stand out from other audiophile channels. Look forward to enjoying the amp set and your future reviews. 👏👏👏
Noppadol, how is your speakers and how efficient are they?
@@sdgtech2 Hi, They are Raidho D5.1 with 89db sensitivity.
Nice video Jay really interesting to get your thoughts. I wonder if you've ever come across or heard anything about the new Michi series. The M8 monoblox or the S5 Poweramp which is what I have. There A B amplification the S5 has just over a kilowatt per channel. Granted it's not at the level you're at but it's extremely impressive amplifier's. My S5 drives my sasha's the grip in the bottom end is awesome. Beautiful neutral amplifier with no overextension anywhere.
Bottom feeder here, My 5500 and L-5 combo out of pocket $400, gorgeous detail presentation and dynamics for peanuts! Happy Listening 🙏
Jay, does your high opinion of Gryphon extend down to the Diablo 300 Integrated? I have Focal Sopra 3s and am looking closely at the Diablo, and your words about Gryphon quality are encouraging. Thank you.
Thanks Jay. Anther great video. If we start talking best tube amps in the world that would be top of the line offers from from ARC, VTL and VAC are right in the mix. If I was going to add another US solid state amp to list of US amps it would be of course that would have to be the D Agostino Relentless. I have not heard it yet (would like to) but have heard most other offerings from D Agostino which have been pretty decent solid state sounding amps and The Relentless is built to much higher standards than the Momentum Series and a different design. May be one day you will be able to bring in a pair of Relentless Monos.
What are some great tube alternatives? I have a tube amp currently and have been looking at Solid State thinking there is no reason for tubes with what Solid State can do. Love your Videos...
Could you please please try the Michi M8 mono blocks, cheers I'd be very curious to hear your thoughts
I wish i could be able to try more amps in my active system but it would be Impossible now since I'd need 3 of them! So do they really sound so different?
Pass Labs is my vote. I visited them in Forest Hill, CA and their build quality made me drool.
Weak
Agreed. Nelson Pass is a great designer.
Thank you for the video. The brands you mentioned are already very good. However, I miss in particular the Accuphase A-250 mono and C-3900 preamplifier and from Naim the Statement NAC/NAP-S1.
Great video again Jay! Hope that there are more European brands with beefy amps like Goldmund, Burmester, Synaestec audio show up in your room
I was pretty impressed with Edge amplifiers when I heard them at a audio show think they are USA made. Dartzell would be worth a listen for foreign amps.
Long winded but good - thank you!
I’m using Luxman and Vinnie Rossi right now and enjoy both.
I don’t have the money for the big stuff but of the two companies you mentioned, they both make integrated amplifiers, is that a good place to start? Looks like Boulder 866 and constellation integrated 1.0
Jay, have you tried Soulution? My friend has a shop. In his shop, the Soulution amps driving Maestro Utopias, and Nola Mini Grands had very lifelike dynamics. Which to me is the hardest to do. Tonality can change with cables as well as inserting different pre's. With the Soulution pre, some things can sound a little dry. Throw in some tubes with high capacitance for dynamic shifts, then wow. Might want to just try it out. Love the videos btw, keep it up!
I haven't yet
I'd certainly add Coda to the list, especially the Coda 16.0 or their System 150/250 model with separate chassis for voltage gain and current gain stages. No consideration of Pass Labs either?
Thanks for your Insight I have spent a few hours around Hi End and listened to some Big Rigs. love to do what your doing but I have to rely on shows and Shops. But Jay if I told you what was my most Memorable systems that I cant forget you would be Shocked some were a Fraction of what I see on my screen. Its amazing and 2 or 3 were USA but some are no longer in Business. Best Wishes hope to see you at a local Show NYC hopefully. I know they are not the size they used to be but its all i get to hear these Days. Mike
Hi, Jay kindly do you have any suggestions about Adcom GFA 565se or 585se ?
Hey Jay, I just want to thank you for mentioning Plinius among the best amps, set me off on a search that led to my SA-103!
I liked the sound of that amp when demoing at a dealer as well. Warmer sound with the MOSFET output stage, and was certainly a room heater!
Hi Jay! Another great video from you :-). I have some ideas for some brands: Audionet & Vitus. Greetings from Denmark.
how do you feel about Schiit audio? they are also an american brand made in california
I would try to get my hands on Ypsilon 100's, and Mola Mola Kalugas (not to mention FM Accoustics-not for the average Joe's budget here) if i could, once we' re talking ultra high end....They can't be ignored once heard...really jaw dropping performance and quality products. Very innovative and extremely sophisticated designs. Its worth the try!
obviously in my comments on your page I show my cards , money is an object , there is a budget , but I do appreciate your sincere work in showing all who watch what there is available to those who have purse and want as good as can be had. thank you .
Thank you for following me
@@jaysaudiolab A pleasure , you have some fascinating gear and detailed reviews.
Hi Jay my name is Albert from Arizona. I just started watching your videos.
I think you do a great job, I especially love how transparent and honest you are with your reviews
I am just curious to know, why you didn't mention Dan D'Augostino, as the best ultra high end audio brand to come out of the U.S., as apposed to Boulder and Constellation that you mentioned?
Thank you so much!
I just found you online and I enjoyed your review of several amplifiers. Just curious if you had any experience with PS audio BHK mono blocks? Specifically the 600s since I can see the speakers that you are currently using. Thanks again for your audio reviews and I will keep an eye out for more to come.
Yes I have
Hi,
Kudos to you, Jay!
I hope very much you will stay on this path of truth till the end...
I am talking generaly about all your reviews and observations.
All the best to you and regards from Europe.
Have you ever experiened Vitus audio amplifiers?
or TAD amplifiers?
hi Jay, i m watching you few months now and i like your videos
i have mbl s produckts in my place in Greece and i also have listen many systems and i recomended to listen
dartzeel from swiss ,audio note japan kangura and ypsilon from greece i believe worth all theese products a chance
thank you for shering with us al your experience
Angelos
have you reviewed Bricasti and Bricasti amps? do you consider this brand mid-fi or hi-fi? Thank you
I haven't
Jay, What is your take on SpectraL amps? US made.
While I have never owned nor have I auditioned any Dan Dagostino products, I would have thought their Relentless mono amp would be on your list.
Robert Koda can also be put in the ultra high end category.
Great review and insights Jay!!!
I don't know if you ever heard and reviewed components from Ypsilon electronics but I would be really interested if you ever come about to! Love your quest!
Are Viola Labs part of the choice panel?
Have you ever listened to Ypsilon amplifiers and preamps?
I hear them on a pair of Rockport speakers and I think you should audition those as well.
The best sound system I’ve ever listened to.
You should try Goldmund Telos 5000s or the 3800s. And the preamp 22h. These are ultra high end from Switzerland.
So what about the 866? Thoughts. Worth auditioning?
What is High End - definition for You?
Thanks
Hv you checked out Tenor? Not EU but Canada though. Really nice sound that at this level maybe it's the synergy that matters more.
I was looking for The Aragon and Acurus new 2005 and 2007 multi channel amps which are from USA by Indy audio-?? Top
Wow, very informative! I would have been completely in the dark and far from reality regarding high end world. Thanks Jay!
My pleasure
I look forward to your test of the Diablo 300. Are you planning to do it? Thanks.
No I'm not
Jay, would you please suggest best stereo power amp 200 to 400 watts channels into 8 ohms under $4000.00 . Rotel RB -1590 , Adcom GFA-585SE ?
Greetings from Denmark Jay.
Great video 👍
Yes, Gryphon is wonderfull.
But another great danish brand is Aavik acoustics.
Gryphon is solid!
Thoughts about Norma Revo 140, Pathos MKII Hybrid Integrated, Mola Mola Kula?
The great thing about innovation and technology you will be able to redo this video in two years. :) The hardest thing about being an audiophile with unlimited funds is buyers' remorse and by our natures we will never be truly content (for too long anyway). Best to enjoy what makes you happy on sound and sail and sail.
Hi Jay, what are your thoughts on PS Audio BHK Amps? Especially the new BHK 600.
Just ok...
Hard to argue with what you said. Blessed to own the Boulder 865 integrated every time I listen I question where do I go from here.
Good point
To the 866.🤩
Have you checked out Clayton amplifiers from St Louis MO., (more specifically the M-300 mono blocks)?
Man, love the passion I would buy anyone of those brands without listening base on your experience and passion I shell call you "The Truth!"
Thanks Michael
Thanks for this very interesting video..as european I will also add the brand Karan Accoustic...Amazing amps
Any thoughts on Symphonic Line? Very dynamics and extended, truly high end.
But not so reliable
@@Alephkilo I never had any issues with my RG1 or my integrated La Musica now.
Your viewpoint at 15:00 in is interesting. I've always been of the opinion (unsubstantiated, just theory) that a company 'stepping up' for a new flagship is better than a higher end company 'cheaping out' to build to that same price point. I guess my thinking is that extra care and attention will always be applied for the rarer products out the midfi brand. BTW I own mid-fi products so maybe it's my bias.
I know I have said it before but you really have to listen to the Nagra HD pre/HD amp 2020. In my opinion the preamp is a game changer. All the best.
One day i will
What is your overview of the Boulder 3060?
Never owned it
Completely agree and you have not even heard Boulder's best, the 3000s. You won't know what the XLFs can really do until you get a Boulder 3060 in your room.
True.
I will add two made in USA brands that deserve recognition.
Transcendent Sound by Bruce Rozenblit - kit triode OTL amps that sound amazing at reasonable prices, and
Decware - Steve Deckert designs and hand builds amazing tube amps. Cult following and a order backlog of about 2 years.
What is the best speakers with Decware amps?
I get it, Jay. What exactly do you like about these amps? The Wilson speakers? Are they accurate, lively, or even musical? For what they cost, I expect them to sound perfect in every room, but they won’t. In your room I’m sure they sound great, but in my room, maybe not so much. You don’t mention how they sound at all……..only how ultra-high end they are. It’s about enjoying the music, please don’t lose sight of that. Enjoy! 👍🔊🔊
As far as McIntosh goes you don't need to be super innovators, you just need to have a great sound (which they do) to be satisfied. And a a more reasonable budget that way more people can afford.
How I miss my 1966 Mac MC275 & C20 with original tubes...run through big Altecs with the fine cabinet work...mmmm. Gone though. I have a set of EV Sentry III with Goodmand 15" drivers as they match better to the horns but never heard it together with the Mac. Just need a little Fisher 100 or 101 to run them!
What most people don't know is a $200 RG Dynamic processor will do wonders for solid state & the soundstage...even a Mac 2300 with the XRT20's...was I shocked!
Macs have always worked for me. Tube and transistor. I like their sound and power. And I can afford whatever. I'd rather put diesel in my 70' Viking. 😁
Thank you Jay for the nice there world references HPower Amps
Have you heard the Gryphon Diablo 300 vs the Boulder 866 integrateds?
As a McIntosh owner , I am glad that I can afford US build quality. Visited 2 times there and meet wonderfull couple.
I want a pair of Boulder 3050's and have them make me a custom acrylic top plate lol
I too have heard a lot of different amps from around the world. Although having never heard Gryphon, CH Precision amps, for me, are the best sounding amps I've ever heard. I've heard a bunch of head to head with them and Soulution. No contest in terms of density of tonal color and dynamics. And name the company whose amps change their basic house sound as you move up the ladder in price? I can't think of any. I've heard the Constellation, but for consistency of sound, yes Boulder is the best. Hands down.
You might broaden your focus to a brand like Coda; in several review they outperform brands like ML or Pass Labs easily; especially the newer models.
CODA amps are super ugly. I could never get past that design.
@@franklinuf ITS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE "LOOK"
Ditto. Coda is a hidden gem in the US.
most CODA amps are krells throw away designs
Lol and here I was thinking I was doing alright with Emotiva seperates 😂
It's still interesting even if I'll never be able afford real "high end" gear.
Take care and happy listening
For those who can't really afford some of the higher end equipment, do you think the Boulder 866 is worth saving up for?
Also, what are your thoughts on Gato amplifiers?
No idea of Gato. Yes 866 is amazing
@@jaysaudiolab Thanks for the response! I was also wondering if you have any experience with or thoughts on the AGD Audion? Keep up the good work.
Buy the 866, its incredible awesome
Spectral DMA500SV. With the DMC300SV will blow anyones mind especially with magico Q7mk2 in an amazing room with DCS Vivaldi Stack. Heard at Goodwins HE in Waltham. On another level from anything anywhere to me and my father who’s been an engineer since 1974 or so. He said it was far and away it wasn’t just listening to the cleanest music it was being in a holographic thick Other Dimensional.
Extreme heavy hitters from Europe would be...
(in no particular order)
Dartzeel
FM Acoustics
Gryphon Audio
Analog Domain
Burmester
Aries Cerat
Soulution
Goldmund Telos
CH Precision
Ypsilon
MBL
Vitus Audio
....please add others from Europe that I may have not included in this post.
BTW I agree with Jay in Boulder as the best in the U.S.
Great video.
Audio Note
Naim Audio
Lamm Industries
Nagra
Please give Doug Dale over at CODA in California a call. See if you can arrange an audition of the CODA 16.0 Amp. It's incredible and punches well above it's weight. I don't think I have ever heard you mention this brand...but I could be wrong. Love your videos.
Thanks. I might bring coda
Great video Jay, please also make an amplifier rank you've ever owned video.
Need to be updated though
Soon
I grew up on Zed Audio built Hifonics , Autotek, “the Punch” Rockford Fosgate and Kicker subs when they were All Boss in late 80’s/early90’s. Then came Orion Red “series”. I use JP amps now proudly and Skar DDX subs. Lots of competition nowadays not like back then. Use what works for you in your price range just stay away from the cheap Amazon garbage! Good Luck!🔊❤️😮
I recently heard the latest combo from Mark Levinson - the No.523 pre and the No.524 stereo power amp - and they are definitely in the same league as Gryphon, Boulder or Constellation. I don't know if the brand suffers a bit from the Lexus connection (i.e. maybe it's seen as being a bit 'lifestyle' by the audiophile crowd) but their R&D budget (and engineering team) are probably bigger than the two brands you mention combined. Listen without prejudice.
Do you think those Mark Levinson sounds better than, for instance, Pass Labs?...I have a pair or Focal Grande Utopia EM with Mcintosh and I am thinking about changing (amps and pre-amp) and Pass and Mark Levinson are in my radar since I know the retailer and I can have a good deal.
@@eliasron6464 I worked at the first UK dealership to get a pair of Grand Utopias. In fact I made this little video: ua-cam.com/video/Msd709kRYHc/v-deo.html
So that was with Burmester obviously. And we also tried them with Gryphon and Levinson.... And to be absolutely honest with you we could never get them sounding really great with anything. In fact we kind of gave up, coming to the conclusion they were probably the most difficult speakers to set up we had ever had.
So, you have already tried powerful valve amps with McIntosh, but my hunch would be to stay on that road and maybe give VTL or Audio Research a spin. Because the (very good) solid state options we tried never seemed right either.
d'agostino? Arizona?
Great channel
I agree with you about Boulder Amps.
The only thing comparable is Jeff Rowland 925 or 825 amplifiers.
25 years ago the Jeff Rowland model 9 monoblocks were amazing.
I had a friend who had them with the matching Jeff Rowland preamp on ESP Concert Grand speakers.
The Parasound JC-1 mono blocks the last 15 years were really good amps
Jeff was at the CAF show. He demonstrated his Daemon. There are many US brands, many also tube amps from VAC and Butler.
Love these videos Jay! How about preamps next...and then digital? And Tube amps after that!
Also, surprised not to see D'Agostino on this list.
Have you tried D-Sonic?
Your slightly out of alignment diffuser is triggering my OCD really hard Jay xD
Thanks a lot man, I didn't notice that until I read your comment. Now I can't stop looking @ it!!😖
This is interesting, granted, it's been years ago, but a friend was a high-end dealer and I was able to borrow gear to audition at home. I remember Boulder as one of the worst amps I heard.
Yes the old boulder was. The new boulder is incredible
i think you have missed out on AVM and coda which dollar to dollar preform favorably to most other end game amps
Have you tested or hear the Danish GAMUT, much awarded in many magazines.
Is a there such thing as best amp? The sound quality of an amplifier is very much depends on the speakers that you use, not to mention personal taste, maybe the Boulder sounds great with Wilsons or the Magicos, but would it sound great with Sonus Faber or Avantgarde or MBL?
If you are going to think about it like that then why do you trust magazine reviews? Wouldn't they also be held to the same standards?
@@jaysaudiolab I don't trust any reviews in any magazine, but I trust you when you say you love the Boulder amps with Wilson speakers, because you're not reviewing any gear, you're just expressing your opinion on that product, I'm just saying that just because you like the Boulder sound the best, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best American made amp, because I don't think THE BEST amp exist, or any other gear for that matter.
How about Alan Eaton amps as well as Conrad-Johnson?
Boulder sounds specifically good on the higher end Wilson speakers. Put them on a opposite sounding speaker of Wilson, then they usually sound very different, and not to my liking.
But yes I agree with Jay, that Boulder with big Wilson speakers does liven up the sound and man handle the Wilsons in an impressive way.
Constellation is one of the few brands I have not been able to get a hold of.
My W/A Sasha DAW's could not sound any better than with my Spectral Amps and Pre.
@@stateniland Wow you are lucky!
@@realhi-fihelplarry8047 not lucky.. just a hard worker :)
@@stateniland Yes I meant that in a non sarcastic manner. You have a system I would like to own. Congrats.
@@realhi-fihelplarry8047 only took me over 30yrs :)
Jay have you ever been able to personally interview the full PS Audio/BHK Amps systems out of Colorado or Spectral Audio Systems out of California! It would be very interesting to hear your opinion about them! Thx for your opinions!
PS Audio is midfi, nothing special. Not sure about Spectral
Is PS Audio midfi from a financial stand point or an Audio Quality/Pleasurable stand point!
@@j.m.harris4202 Both
@@divertiti a 7 grand mono block is mid fi? You are hard core.
@@60zeller In the crazy world of hifi, unfortunately that's the case. Entry level Boulder 1160 stereo amp is $33K, entry level Gryphon Essence amp is $22K. PS Audio's stuff sounds just okay, but not at the level of the big boys. They're mid-fi just like Pass Labs
Also would love to see your reaction or thoughts to D'agostino or CH Precision if that opportunity ever comes up. Keep up the good work! 👍👍👌👌
Have you tried Spectral amps as yet? They are American and expensive.
Did you ever had or heard amplifiers of the italian brand Audia Flight?
Hey Jay - Great video and good observations. A curveball, did you ever consider testing anything from china? JUNGSON JA-10/JA-200 CLASS A PREAMP + DUAL MONOBLOCKS POWER AMPLIFIERS could be interesting:)