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RE: Art Audio Jota VS Audio Note Conquest Silver




I had a chance to listen to AA Diavolo and PX25 and compare it to Wavac MD811 on a pair of Living Voice Avatar speakers.
First the topology ,I'm not sure what AA split core transformers mean but they look like traditional EI types to me. One has to admit that chassis ,transformers fit and finish on Art Audio is good and solid (aesthetics are little to offensive to me but black versions exists). Internal construction and homemade like PCB's is less impressive but adequate . Topologically it's a full function amp with 6dj8 SRPP input stage hovland cap coupled to 12BH7 triode driver Hovland cap coupled to Output 300B , so three stages two coupling caps in signal path. Diavolo was deigned for WE300B but they advertise it with KR300BXL. AFAIK all the Art Audio Sets are built with this front end which results in tons of gain. Yes it's true they offer a dynamic presentation with good bass and big (rather deep than wide ) stage. I have to admit they are not the most engaging amps and lack little bit of this organic warmth which makes for relaxing listening . I'm pretty sure cap /tube changes would go a long way to mend this little strident quality . PX25 is better in this regard and having doubled sized OPT cores seems to have deeper bass .Not sure the design choices here. Both have DC filament supplies and are double tube rectifier(GZ37) cap-choke-cap traditional Pi filtered.
Cheapest Wavac (MD811 and MD300 )is a chameleon . Build quality for the price is abysmal and I disregard those scoundrels who gave this product high notes for construction. The only positive thing one can say that it's neat , in it's shitty flimsy way. The passive components are standard good quality and transformers even though small rather good quality .(Probably good basic Tango) Wavac signal path is 12au7 direct coupled to 6Y6 transformer coupled to either 811 or 300B output tube depends on the OPT and PT transformer winding tap configuration.Amp is SS rectified with filter choke employed. Now, the only way to really enjoy this amp (and it really can be enjoyed )is to get rid of the Alps Blue volume Pot and instal even the cheapest stepped attenuator available for $25 on Ebay . With blue pot in place the amp is a turd -glossy and flat. With the change we get to hear benefits of no cap , all the small shimmering nuances appear and music flows harmoniously although the slightly glossy (like voiced for flutes) character is still there and the stage is not very expansive, wide but rather shallow, elegant but rather cold.I could not live with any in the stock form and distant impression of once owned AN Quests is still more memorable to me, maybe because it was first pair or real SET amps I heard.




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  • RE: Art Audio Jota VS Audio Note Conquest Silver - Wojciech 06/17/1319:19:16 06/17/13 (0)

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