SET Asylum: REVIEW: Song Audio Ltd SA-34SB Integrated Amplifier (Tube) by AudioA

Model:	SA-34SB
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1900.00
Description:	EL-34 SET 0NFB 4 watt
Manufacturer URL:	Song Audio Ltd
Model Picture:	View

Review by AudioA ( A ) on January 04, 2005 at 18:10:13
IP Address: 70.48.15.70

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I have been living with the Song Audio SA-34SB SET integrated amplifier since November 20, 2004 (about 1 1/2 months now) and I can't begin to say how pleased I am with the product.
I am able to really "see" into the music, and this is what a music lover really wants. If you are a true audiophile, you also will know my meaning if I add that "I can have it both ways" with this amp -- low level background listening is a true delight, and a dedicated session with the volume up gives me a real thrill. When I crank this thing, it never loses its soundstage or clarity -- it all stays intact. FYI my speakers are fairly average efficiency Canadian StudioLab speakers. The addition of this amp has brought out the very best in the speakers. I do know that I will want a more efficient set of speakers some time in 2005, nevertheless when I play my favourite recording of Bruckner's 9th, all the dynamics come up amazingly well, and all orchestra sections can be placed with ease. A neat outline of the interior of the Concertgebouw is sketched out in my listening room .....
If it's jazz, well, the cymbals on Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" never sounded so natural to me as they do with this amp; if it's vocals, you're in for an out-of-this-world experience.
This is an extremely musical amp, well worth the price.
Prior to this I have only owned solid state equipment, and some of it has been awfully high-end. My last comment is: never mind the power rateing of 4 WPC. This amp has replaced a 160 WPC solid state and -- how do I say this -- the little SA-34SB has a substantially better sonic footprint than the big thing it has replaced, and it can deliver a whallop when you want it to!

Product Weakness: I can't find any yet!
Product Strengths: Clarity, focus, gorgeous detail, a soundstage that really hangs together, combined with a very gracious warmth.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	SA-34SB
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rotel CD; Panasonic linear tracking turntable
Speakers:	StudioLab (model # unknown)
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical and jazz; some pop.
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 11.5 x 8.5
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1.5 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	I can't find any yet!
Product Strengths:	Clarity, focus, gorgeous detail, a soundstage that really hangs together, combined with a very gracious warmth.