I sold mine because it sounded a bit lifeless........smooth but lacking some musicality and joy to listen too , but it was never agressive...the Electrocopaniet 25 watt class A i bought later was in another leage.......and a real pleasure to listen too.
Thanks for the comment. I have heard very little differences between power amps, as long as they are not being over driven. As I said in the video, I thought it sounded fine.
I built the kit when it came out. Never had any problems with it, it was well made design / construction. I found some black aluminum handles with the same hole spacing s the front holes on the heatsinks that enhanced the appearance and also maybe handling it. First used with a DH 101 preamp and then the DH 110 preamp, both used. Between I tried a Dynaco tube preamp that I rebuilt with modern components and real Mullard tubes. Had a nice sound. Now my taste tends toward integrated amps for my convenience. When I built the amp I used heavier guage wiring inside in some areas than what was supplied.
I had a DH-200 that I bought in 1980 or so. It was a great sounding amp. I kept it for 20 years. I stupidly got rid of it chasing multi channel. I’m back to 2 channel.
Thanks for taking the time to share! I can relate to selling something to get into multichannel sound. Maybe I will do a video and audio gear regrets....
I love your channel, brother! 👍🎶💜🎵😊 I’d much rather look at older gear that was made with some integrity. I’ve repaired, recapped, upgraded, and modified many older amplifiers. I fully refurbished my Marantz 2220B, which is in my system now with a Tavish tube ***phono pre, then into a pair of either Tekton Pendragons or Klipsch Forte speakers, which are both about 95dB sensitivity. I swapped the old parts in the X-over for nice caps, resistor, internal wiring, etc. in the Fortes. I also run my Elekit 300B amp a lot. 8 wpc is plenty to drive either of the speakers. Mixing new with old can yield amazing results. ***Ive got some really nice turntables, but I always go back to my (in beautiful condition) Technics SL1200 M3D with upgrades and modifications from Kevin at KAB. If you use a 1200, you need to check him out. I’ve even got a 2nd turntable only for mono records, while my Technics is set for stereo, unless I pressed the mono button on the Marantz, but my method sounds better, IMO
Thanks so much for the informative comments. You take things seriously if you have a mono TT- I would have liked to have the SL1200 back when I dj'd in the early 80's. 8watts is plenty for decent listening level with efficient speakers.
I bought the kit version in 1982 or 1983 at the latest. I don't think it was Class A. Mine did not get particularly hot, and maybe the ones today do that is because of their age. I later switched out the large power supply filter caps with some high quality Japanese ones that many recommended, and also replaced all the input and output connectors with quality gold-plated ones. I had the matching Haller pre-amp, also built from a kit (DH-110) and used ADS L810 speakers. Great combination. I sold the both the amp and pre-amp about 1998 and have regretted it since.
Thanks for this! I currently have a DH -120 (the baby version of this amp). I replaced some resistors that are known for overheating, the power supply caps, and the awful aluminum input sockets. I am using a streamer that allows me to crossover to a subwoofer, so the 60W per channel isnt an issue. It sounds pretty nice to me--but I do envy the DH-220! (I do have an Adcom 545mkII that another commenter asked about--if I pay for shipping, would you consider putting it on the bench for a review?)
And the kit aspect was pretty much just assembly as I recall. The amp modules were pre-assembled and it was wiring everything up inside the chassis and bolting it all together that was the kit aspect. Not really difficult like if you had to stuff the PCBs.
@@vintageaudioreview The XL600 was in the "Excelinear series" and was the flagship model. I believe it was the most powerful amplifier Hafler ever produced at 300+ W/ch into 8 ohms. It is similar to the DH-500 but was built in the late 80s or early 90s. They are rare, as I understand they were quite expensive when new. It sounds very good to my ear. I've got it driving vintage Infinity towers and have no complaints. The best thing about the 600 is it's ability to handle difficult speaker loads. It is capable of throwing 900w/ channel into 1 ohm continuous! The downside is the fan. It's quiet but not silent and that's irksome to me. I wish someone would start building water cooled amps!
@@nathanrieben2925 Thanks for the info about the XL600- was not familiar with that model. There may be a small pump noise with a water cooled amp and if it leaked...
Looks like some newer caps on the boards. Has this amp been re-capped or modified in any way? I have 3 of these DH-220's that I bought cheap on ebay and repaired. I also just got a QuantAsylum QA403 for myself so I'll be learning how to use it by testing one of my DH-220's soon.
It does not look like it had any work done to it. Glad you got a QA40x- great piece of gear once you know how to use. You can check my video using it to measure the MC2300 amp if you haven't . Glad you were able to repair the DH220's.
@vintageaudioreview I did watch your video on the MC2300. And the soundcraftsmen RA7501. Inspired me to buy the QA403. I love the big vintage amps with beefy power supplies.
@@fisherhutchens9452 I appreciate your watching. I agree about the big beefy amps, but the Carver cube is pretty impressive if you don't run it long enough to overheat. I had the RA7501 out the other week putting out 500w/4ohms to test a load- good stuff!
If it was Class A at 100W per channel it would run more than a little warm! Probably runs deep into Class AB2 with the first few Watts in A. Surprised at the quoted price! I thought these were on the more economic end. Also at the distortion specs compared to other old amps like the Tigersarus.
Also I have to realize these are 40 years old now. I wonder if there is any issue of component ageing. I vaguely recall someone advertising "mods" for the Hafler's many years ago. Including for the higher powered Hafler amp. There is the issue of the kits maybe not being built by skilled people. And 40 years is plenty of time for someone to monkey around inside these or abuse them so take care when looking to buy.
Capacitors are the most likely things to age over time. The large filter caps on the power supply are easy to change, but the ones on circuit board maybe a bit more difficult, but not too difficult. I would worry about the output transistors, since not sure if they still make them.
I sold mine because it sounded a bit lifeless........smooth but lacking some musicality and joy to listen too , but it was never agressive...the Electrocopaniet 25 watt class A i bought later was in another leage.......and a real pleasure to listen too.
Thanks for the comment. I have heard very little differences between power amps, as long as they are not being over driven. As I said in the video, I thought it sounded fine.
You are correct. Those mosfet outputs 2sk and 2sj are very dark sounding and never became mainstream.
@@Śiśna3633 Yes, that's the reason I sold this amp...
I built the kit when it came out. Never had any problems with it, it was well made design / construction. I found some black aluminum handles with the same hole spacing s the front holes on the heatsinks that enhanced the appearance and also maybe handling it. First used with a DH 101 preamp and then the DH 110 preamp, both used. Between I tried a Dynaco tube preamp that I rebuilt with modern components and real Mullard tubes. Had a nice sound. Now my taste tends toward integrated amps for my convenience. When I built the amp I used heavier guage wiring inside in some areas than what was supplied.
Thanks for sharing your "audio journey". I hope you still have the DH200......If the integrated amp has enough power, they are indeed simpler.
Bought one back in the day... thought is sounded fine.. no issues... but sold it after a few years...unfortunately.. Thanks for the video
Sorry you sold it, but we all have audio regrets- that would make a fun video, I think....
I had a DH-200 that I bought in 1980 or so. It was a great sounding amp. I kept it for 20 years. I stupidly got rid of it chasing multi channel. I’m back to 2 channel.
Thanks for taking the time to share! I can relate to selling something to get into multichannel sound. Maybe I will do a video and audio gear regrets....
Sounds like a great video idea!
@@stevezeidman7224 Hope "bread video" means good...
lol, I was typing great but somehow the phone interpreted bread.🤷♂️
@@stevezeidman7224 thanks for clarifying
I love your channel, brother! 👍🎶💜🎵😊
I’d much rather look at older gear that was made with some integrity. I’ve repaired, recapped, upgraded, and modified many older amplifiers. I fully refurbished my Marantz 2220B, which is in my system now with a Tavish tube ***phono pre, then into a pair of either Tekton Pendragons or Klipsch Forte speakers, which are both about 95dB sensitivity. I swapped the old parts in the X-over for nice caps, resistor, internal wiring, etc. in the Fortes.
I also run my Elekit 300B amp a lot. 8 wpc is plenty to drive either of the speakers.
Mixing new with old can yield amazing results.
***Ive got some really nice turntables, but I always go back to my (in beautiful condition) Technics SL1200 M3D with upgrades and modifications from Kevin at KAB. If you use a 1200, you need to check him out.
I’ve even got a 2nd turntable only for mono records, while my Technics is set for stereo, unless I pressed the mono button on the Marantz, but my method sounds better, IMO
Thanks so much for the informative comments. You take things seriously if you have a mono TT- I would have liked to have the SL1200 back when I dj'd in the early 80's. 8watts is plenty for decent listening level with efficient speakers.
I bought the kit version in 1982 or 1983 at the latest. I don't think it was Class A. Mine did not get particularly hot, and maybe the ones today do that is because of their age. I later switched out the large power supply filter caps with some high quality Japanese ones that many recommended, and also replaced all the input and output connectors with quality gold-plated ones. I had the matching Haller pre-amp, also built from a kit (DH-110) and used ADS L810 speakers. Great combination. I sold the both the amp and pre-amp about 1998 and have regretted it since.
Thanks for this! I currently have a DH -120 (the baby version of this amp). I replaced some resistors that are known for overheating, the power supply caps, and the awful aluminum input sockets. I am using a streamer that allows me to crossover to a subwoofer, so the 60W per channel isnt an issue.
It sounds pretty nice to me--but I do envy the DH-220!
(I do have an Adcom 545mkII that another commenter asked about--if I pay for shipping, would you consider putting it on the bench for a review?)
I would definitely review it if you do the shipping. If you are serious about this send me an email to the address given in the description area.
And the kit aspect was pretty much just assembly as I recall. The amp modules were pre-assembled and it was wiring everything up inside the chassis and bolting it all together that was the kit aspect. Not really difficult like if you had to stuff the PCBs.
Yes, the main circuit boards came pre-assembled and pre-tested. The power supply did require component assembly, but not on a circuit board.
Not quite like putting together a heathkit or dynakit, but definitely easier!
I've got a XL600 which sounds great. As I understand it, the DH series predated the XL.
Thanks for the comment but am not familiar with the XL600...
@@vintageaudioreview The XL600 was in the "Excelinear series" and was the flagship model. I believe it was the most powerful amplifier Hafler ever produced at 300+ W/ch into 8 ohms. It is similar to the DH-500 but was built in the late 80s or early 90s. They are rare, as I understand they were quite expensive when new. It sounds very good to my ear. I've got it driving vintage Infinity towers and have no complaints. The best thing about the 600 is it's ability to handle difficult speaker loads. It is capable of throwing 900w/ channel into 1 ohm continuous! The downside is the fan. It's quiet but not silent and that's irksome to me. I wish someone would start building water cooled amps!
@@nathanrieben2925 Thanks for the info about the XL600- was not familiar with that model. There may be a small pump noise with a water cooled amp and if it leaked...
Thanks for this video. Can you please do the same for ADCOM GFA 555 or 545 MK2
Thanks for the kind words. I will ask my buddies if they have an Adcom amp, but don't think they have one.....
Looks like some newer caps on the boards. Has this amp been re-capped or modified in any way? I have 3 of these DH-220's that I bought cheap on ebay and repaired. I also just got a QuantAsylum QA403 for myself so I'll be learning how to use it by testing one of my DH-220's soon.
It does not look like it had any work done to it. Glad you got a QA40x- great piece of gear once you know how to use. You can check my video using it to measure the MC2300 amp if you haven't . Glad you were able to repair the DH220's.
@vintageaudioreview I did watch your video on the MC2300. And the soundcraftsmen RA7501. Inspired me to buy the QA403. I love the big vintage amps with beefy power supplies.
@@fisherhutchens9452 I appreciate your watching. I agree about the big beefy amps, but the Carver cube is pretty impressive if you don't run it long enough to overheat. I had the RA7501 out the other week putting out 500w/4ohms to test a load- good stuff!
If it was Class A at 100W per channel it would run more than a little warm! Probably runs deep into Class AB2 with the first few Watts in A. Surprised at the quoted price! I thought these were on the more economic end. Also at the distortion specs compared to other old amps like the Tigersarus.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Am not familiar with the Tigersarus. Probably only the 1st few watts are class A...
I think the older ones have that dark slate gray color and later their stuff went all fully black, so that is an earlier one.
Also I have to realize these are 40 years old now. I wonder if there is any issue of component ageing. I vaguely recall someone advertising "mods" for the Hafler's many years ago. Including for the higher powered Hafler amp. There is the issue of the kits maybe not being built by skilled people. And 40 years is plenty of time for someone to monkey around inside these or abuse them so take care when looking to buy.
Capacitors are the most likely things to age over time. The large filter caps on the power supply are easy to change, but the ones on circuit board maybe a bit more difficult, but not too difficult. I would worry about the output transistors, since not sure if they still make them.