ESLab Tripath based digital amps

*ahem*Apogee*ahem*

 

Don't seem to be any available in the UK ATM Isaac AFAIK.

The Duetta Sigs would be the ones I'd want. Anything below them in the range would probably not go low enough in the bass, and anything above them in the range would warrant an amp upgrade, not something I want to explore. Not to mention cost of parts in case of damage, the Qauds did arrive damaged - the plastic top cap was cracked on one of the units but Radfords (Bristol branch) who I bought them from have been very good about this whole matter and they're ordering me the replacement part which is easily user replaceable and have waivered the delivery charges.

 

There's a pair in the classifieds in HFN. Not to put temptation in your way or anything

 

Which issue is that in Isaac, and is it a private or trade ad?

If it's the pair I'm thinking of, that'll be some Stages IIRC, they belong to a guy whose system was featured in the reader's system section of the mag a few month earlier - an all Audiolab set-up.

 

No, they're for sale in a private classified along with some kef reference 107s and a load of naim kit. Phone number on the Ad is 0191 281 0260

 

0191? thats the north east.

 

If you are serious about the Apogee type sound, why not have a listen to the Perigee FK1.

They are voiced to be very similar to the bigger Apogee's without the need for room space.

I know of two guys in UK who have purchased FK1's to replace Apogee's, I think one sold his Duetta Sigs the others Diva's.

I think the UK rep is in the Brum area.

Don't know if they will ever make it to UK but the guy that builds Perigee FK1's has just announced the Perigee 'Definitives' truely awsome looking speakers, absolute state of the art full range ribbons. They compare with the original 'The Apogee' Full Range for size. Sadly they will be way out of my price range. I don't think a final price figure has been announced but I expect to be in the US$100,000.00+ area.

Ken

 

Isaac - Can't find that ad in HFN, is it the October issue you're referring to?

Ken - I've heard the Perigee FK1's at a hi-fi show over here in the UK last year. I'm usually a fan of speakers that use ribbon tweeters, and yes the Perigees did have that special ribbon top end that I like. However, the buttom end didn't really jump and grab me as being anything special. I wasn't left with a feeling that I'd want to take them home for an audition. I've in all honesty have yet to ever hear a pair of Apogees of any model with my own ears, I'm just going on the opinions of those I know and converse with on a regular basis. If like you say you know people who've say changed over from a Duetta Sig to an FK1 then they could still be worthing looking at. The FK1 may well work better in a smaller room I'd imagine although the room I heard them in was a small room! I will be moving to a smaller house soon which will in all likelyhood have a smaller listening room. Or alternatively, I might just add an external ribbon supertweeter and try and work on minimising/earthing the audible cabinet reasonces from the existing boxes.

 

Well i (read we) have decided to try out the Tact SDA2175.
I spoke briefly to the phone picker upper at Tact UK on Friday, but she didnt know if they are operating the same 3 week trial as the main Tact site.
Hoping that i can speak to someone tomorrow to arrange this.

If it is good for us, then i think i can recover most of the cost by selling the Rotel.

 

penance - How much is the tact 2175 in UK? I am pretty much sold on buying the ICE H20 monoblocks at US$K3.0, but the Tact power amp is interesting, however in Australia Tact prices are extortionate.

Ken

 

Ken I think its £900 sir

 

Ken
The power amp 2175 is 740UKP

 

penance - Sorry that should have been how much is the tact 2150 in the UK.

 

Ken

according to Tact uk -

M2150 - 2250UKP
S2150 - 2050UKP

 

well it seems that TACT uk dont phone back when they say they will, dont reply to email, and today they dont answer the phone

Guess i'll be looking elsewhere

 

They were at the Hifi show all weekend so maybe a bit of patience required.

 

There was also another integrated digital amp at the show for about £1000 but can't remember who it was.

 

Lee,
Thanks, i didnt think about that (doh @ me)

Im after a power amp only, to hook up to the grounded grid.
Although, if you do remember the other company, let me know.

 

3d Labs were showing a 1K Tripath amp. Don't know if it was an integrated or a power amp, didn't look at it at all closely.

-- Ian

 

Andy,

Give them a chance, for the last few days they have been running around like madmen setting up (until the early hours) and then doing the show. Surely, they are entitled to a day off as well! I am sure merlin could have a word if you really want.