New PS Audio Amps
- Thread starter edorr
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I would not call $15k/pair inexpensive but perhaps in this age of $100k and up components they could be a bargain...
I liked my old Counterpoint a lot but never felt it had the bass of the big ML, Krell, etc. amplifiers of the day. That was due to the MOSFETs and output stage, not the (tube) input stages. A tube preamp and SS power amp is one of my favorite sounds.
I liked my old Counterpoint a lot but never felt it had the bass of the big ML, Krell, etc. amplifiers of the day. That was due to the MOSFETs and output stage, not the (tube) input stages. A tube preamp and SS power amp is one of my favorite sounds.
True. But consider this. Dealers will discount PS audio gear, so you can score one for street price of $12,000 I estimate (no right to return these though). Second, they use a standard chassis and no bells and whisles, and are trying to keep price low and sell volume. What you are paying is recovery of R&D, cost of components and reasonable profit margin. The proof will be in the pudding, but I'm hopefull this amp will be a price/performance break-through.
Yes, I was not being sarcastic, these may well be giant-killers for the high-end crowd, or at least the sub-super-rich crowd. I like to think my Emotiva amps are a bargain, but don't tell anyone I use them or they'll take away my WBF posting privileges! 
While I think some of the prices these days are exorbitant, when you spend a year or three developing a design and only build a few per year, it takes a pretty hefty margin per amp (or whatever) to recoup all the R&D. A huge mark-up on an expensive component that took years to develop and will sell in small-unit quantities makes sense. But I don't have to like it, and certainly can't afford it. No worries.
I am very curious to see how these compare to other high-end amplifiers like Spectral, Bryston, and so forth. My experience is limited these days; my past experience with MOSFET amps was mixed but biased heavily toward bass-shy. In some cases power supply modifications made a significant difference but I was left with an overall feeling that they just did not stack up to SS amps (but were way better than the vast majority of tube amps). Before anybody yells, yes I have owned or had all types in my system, some for decades, but it does not change my experience. My favorite system for driving my Maggies was a tube top mid/treble amp (ARC D-79) and hybrid (Counterpoint SA-220) bass amp. I chose the Counterpoint because it mated best to my beloved D-79, not because it had better bass than the other power amps I auditioned, and could serve as a full-range amp with character similar to the D-79 whenever the D-79 was down for repair (every few months until I brought it up to D-79b status). Nowadays it is all solid-state; cleaner but I still miss those euphonic, euphoric tube days...
While I think some of the prices these days are exorbitant, when you spend a year or three developing a design and only build a few per year, it takes a pretty hefty margin per amp (or whatever) to recoup all the R&D. A huge mark-up on an expensive component that took years to develop and will sell in small-unit quantities makes sense. But I don't have to like it, and certainly can't afford it. No worries.I am very curious to see how these compare to other high-end amplifiers like Spectral, Bryston, and so forth. My experience is limited these days; my past experience with MOSFET amps was mixed but biased heavily toward bass-shy. In some cases power supply modifications made a significant difference but I was left with an overall feeling that they just did not stack up to SS amps (but were way better than the vast majority of tube amps). Before anybody yells, yes I have owned or had all types in my system, some for decades, but it does not change my experience. My favorite system for driving my Maggies was a tube top mid/treble amp (ARC D-79) and hybrid (Counterpoint SA-220) bass amp. I chose the Counterpoint because it mated best to my beloved D-79, not because it had better bass than the other power amps I auditioned, and could serve as a full-range amp with character similar to the D-79 whenever the D-79 was down for repair (every few months until I brought it up to D-79b status). Nowadays it is all solid-state; cleaner but I still miss those euphonic, euphoric tube days...
Last I heard as of several years ago, the person making Llano amps was out of business. There were then problems reported having the amps serviced.
I have two and three channel versions. And yeah, people are surprised and it is fun to swap out tubes. I think it was one of the first auto bias circuits out there. I don't use them much anymore but trot them out every now and then as a point of comparison. They are sweet, organic and powerful-sounding, though lacking in a bit of transparency vs some modern amps.
The designer Randy White seemed to disappear off the face of the earth leaving some angry customers. For me, he was great, but you had to be very patient as he built every amp himself.
Yes, I was not being sarcastic, these may well be giant-killers for the high-end crowd, or at least the sub-super-rich crowd. I like to think my Emotiva amps are a bargain, but don't tell anyone I use them or they'll take away my WBF posting privileges!
i have to admit that I am also using two UPA-500's to power my active speakers (Linkwitz LX521). I would need at least 8 channels, so that is getting expensive really fast. I think it is a smart idea of PS Audio to attract a designer like Bascom King for the making of an amplifier. Rather then trying to invent the wheel again by designing your own.
PS Audio was trying for years until Arnie Nudell suggests contracting design work to Bascom King. The whole story is in the 3 PS Audio videos. It's great to see the 3 men's passion.
I'm familiar with Constellation Centaur so looking forward to hearing BHK 300 mono.
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