Amp/Preamp Asylum: Re: Could you be more specific about "surprised" by Jack Seaton

Sorry for the delay in answering your questions. Business had me out of town for a few days. I was very sceptical of the sonic atributes that the ART may have, though I'd tried one after hearing from several in the high end industry that the ART showed promise and at a very inexpensive price. (Those that told me about the ART have chosen to remain un-named, as it isn't necessarily good business to promote inexpensive gear. Those that do are usually flamed, told that they don't know sound, or have stepped on friends toes, etc.)

Some have called me a sock puppet for Don Nance at other web-sites, just because I've mentioned that the ART, stock out of the box, isn't a bad choice, especially for those living on a limited budget. The fact that a few have chosen to resort to name calling has kept me more quiet about this than I initially was. Let me make this clear; I have monetary connection to Mr. Nance, nor any business that he may have. I am just an audiophile that is after good sound. I was in the market for a good, inexpensive amplifier that was easy to use for the lake cabin. (Tubes scare my Wife and Daughters, probably because they see how anal I am about them).

First, let me mention that my primary system consists of:

Modified Sony 777es SACD
Several modified Scully mastering decks, playing back one of over 300 master dubs that I own
Modified Mapelnoll Airiadne Signature with Koetsu Rosewood Platinum Signature, Benz Ruby 2, or one of several vdH Grasshoppers.
Tube Research Labs Phono Stage with separate 180 pound fully tube regulated power supply, 70 pound phono stage.
Tube Research Labs GTP 3 preamp
Tube Research Labs GT 100 amplifiers
Magico speakers, (in the storage room - JM Labs Micro Utopias with JM Labs sub, Sound Labs electrostats).
All Cabling FIM Gold or Silver series, which is now called Cable Research Labs, distributed by Musical Surroundings.

Let me make this clear, the ART amplifier is NO match for the Tube Research Labs GT-100's. The ART does offer plenty of bang for the buck. I got mine from Fullcompass.com for around $200, delivered. It was suggested that I should clip the fan wire and run the amp without the top cover, because the fan drew power from the power supply. This was easy enough for me. My initial impression was good, this was a very linear, musical, dynamic little amplifier. Tonally correct for the most part, some may have concerns with lack of bass authority, though the ART controlled my 13 inch Focals just fine. The ART has a very nice midrange that is very pleasant with the Jazz instrumentals and vocals that I listen primarily to. Highs are pleasant, not edgy, not rolled off, very nice sounding with the Magico modified ribbon tweeters that are in the Magico speakers that are in my system. In this regard, I was suprised by this beer budget amplifier. I'd expected, given the price, to have something that I'd give my Nephew for his birthday. Instead, I have an amplifier that is good enough for background music and TV sound in our home away from home. Up there it will be mated to the JM Labs Micro Utopias, which is a nice combination.

Let me mention this right away. I have been using a FIM Silver power cord with the ART amp. This power cord retails for about 10 times the cost of the amp. I had tried it with an old Cardas power cord that is 10 years old, and it didn't sound as good. Evidently, the ART is very sensitve to power cords. I did not try it in the Bridged Mono mode. I've tried this in the past with pro sound amplifiers with poor results. My past experience biased me against even trying it. Has anyone tried it yet?

Best wishes,
Jack