MastersounD Spettro Preamplifier and PF100 Monoblocks

DSkip

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Aug 26, 2013
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I'm excited to announce that the first set of these fine machines will be traversing across the Atlantic this week. While both models have been in the US before, the newest versions have Litz-wired transformers to elevate their performance. They now boast 120 watts per channel of parallel single-ended goodness.

I was hoping they might make it in for my birthday weekend, but it looks like they'll have to be a belated 'present'.

For anyone interested in getting their ears on these, I am planning on debuting them at AXPONA 2019.


PF100 Litz.jpg Spettro 1.jpg
 
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Ron Resnick

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As you know, Skip, I am extremely intrigued by that PF100 Litz. These comparisons would be extremely difficult to make happen, but I would be fascinated to compare the PF100 to a high power single tube SET (NAT Magme New SE, Wavac or AM 833) on the one hand, and to something like an Absolare 845 push-pull on the other hand.
 

DSkip

Industry Expert
Aug 26, 2013
442
194
350
Arlington, TX
www.audiothesis.com
I'm intrigued too. I've found myself, at least with MastersounD offerings, to prefer the parallel versions of their amplifiers in most cases. Many say that you lose the magic of the SET sound, but I've found the parallel to simply offer more control of the speaker from top to bottom with the same magic.
 

Ron Resnick

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Wow! Fantastic!
 

spiritofmusic

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What is it about tube amps? They're SOOO photogenic.
These are no exception.
 
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bonzo75

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As you know, Skip, I am extremely intrigued by that PF100 Litz. These comparisons would be extremely difficult to make happen, but I would be fascinated to compare the PF100 to a high power single tube SET (NAT Magme New SE, Wavac or AM 833) on the one hand, and to something like an Absolare 845 push-pull on the other hand.

The KR va 200 is much superior to the Nat magma. The Nat preamps are better than the KR
 

christoph

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The KR va 200 is much superior to the Nat magma. The Nat preamps are better than the KR
Where you able to directly compare those pieces of gear?
 

bonzo75

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Where you able to directly compare those pieces of gear?

I have compared the NAT Magma SE to various amps and the KR 200 to various amps. The attributes are consistent. The NAT has less drive, less highs, slow transients, very laid back. KR is is way more lively, great drive, energy, stage, complexity resolving. Regarding preamps, I have compared the NAT Utopia to AR Ref 3 and to Dartzeel (with Alieno power amp) and preferred the NAT. The KR pre lost out to even a yamamoto pre that was 2000 euro or so, to Thoress (which are remotely not my choice of preamps anyway). I also rotated valves on KR to check, and tried different amps. As such I don't think the pre warrants further investigation on my side.
 
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Ron Resnick

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The KR va 200 is much superior to the Nat magma. The Nat preamps are better than the KR

Next duel: KR va 200 versus MastersounD PF100!
 

spiritofmusic

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Jun 13, 2013
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I have compared the NAT Magma SE to various amps and the KR 200 to various amps. The attributes are consistent. The NAT has less drive, less highs, slow transients, very laid back. KR is is way more lively, great drive, energy, stage, complexity resolving. Regarding preamps, I have compared the NAT Utopia to AR Ref 3 and to Dartzeel (with Alieno power amp) and preferred the NAT. The KR pre lost out to even a yamamoto pre that was 2000 euro or so, to Thoress (which are remotely not my choice of preamps anyway). I also rotated valves on KR to check, and tried different amps. As such I don't think the pre warrants further investigation on my side.
You must have had those Nats on Mooks again.

Ked, you're such a Mooky puppy.
 

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