So, having heard a wide range of fully SS amped systems, and other than one, struggling to see how I could live without tubes in the chain, how does one consider Scintillas?
Even KeithR using Ampzilla on YGs isn't saying their warm presentation is tube-like.
Of all the classic Apogee's, properly restored with sensible options, and used properly amped in suitably sized rooms to allow for proper breathing and with a solid back wall - the FR and Scintilla would be my top choices from yesteryear. Duetta Signatures can work very well in smaller rooms also, Diva when modified with a FO MR, and driven with class A power that can handle the modification without effort. Tube lovers - a tube pre in the chain with class A power is fine imho. All original Apogee panels that have never been restored are overdue the full service...
I am right on the edge of release of a new serious Diva, the first pair is going to a client with 400w tube power amps actually...
My listening room at home is 13x39, I have heard classic Scintilla, Diva and Duetta Signatures work well in that room among others - FR are too big for it to get into their stride.
I have an interesting new amp and it's designer coming for a play date within the hour in the (larger) main development room on the new metal chassis Apogee Diva A9's, one of those days I really look forward to!
In the UK you could open a roller rink in such a room, perhaps a compromise your wife could live with?
Start = Halcro CD/PSA DSD/Nuvista M3/ Apogee Diva Advance 9's
Guest = PC with USB cable (digital in) or Halcro/PSA (RCA in) into the Heschl HAL 350 / Apogee Diva Advance 9's
Interesting day meeting new people and hearing a new perspective on the new Diva A9's. Guests were an amp/dac with the Heschl people, a new brand made down here. A most positive experience, and the people behind it were interesting to speak to also - beyond hifi.
PC into the Heschl dac direct won out over analog in, a clear lead. Very neutral, joining a very short list of truly neutral amplifiers with near vanishing signatures I have experienced. Fast rise, effortless power, with excellent panel control. Great space around all performers, comfortable across the musical spectrum. The time passed fast (4 hours), and in that time absolute extrapolation of an absolute amplifier signature was far from obvious. Beyond that I will have to think about the experience further, but the product is certainly most promising...
So, having heard a wide range of fully SS amped systems, and other than one, struggling to see how I could live without tubes in the chain, how does one consider Scintillas?
The ime best sounding amps for the Scintillas (and we tried dozens!!) are the Lamm M1.x hybrid mono blocks with a very good tube preamp in front.
They drove the Scinnies with ease while sounding VERY good
On the Studio Grands I prefer my KR Audio SETs over the Lamms though
I still think Scinnies are insane. Which of course they are. But insanity is always fun in hi-fi.
Maybe take Henk on that offer one day.
Jon is just finishing some Scinnies FWIW. Some of that Scinnie's design will have as a feature something we have been discussing together for a very long time.
I think they are going to be a very good pair of Scinnies and their new owner is going to be a lucky man.
I still think Scinnies are insane. Which of course they are. But insanity is always fun in hi-fi.
Maybe take Henk on that offer one day.
Jon is just finishing some Scinnies FWIW. Some of that Scinnie's design will have as a feature something we have been discussing together for a very long time.
I think they are going to be a very good pair of Scinnies and their new owner is going to be a lucky man.
Justin, I was talking to Jon and the prospective owner over 2 years ago on those. Rome obviously wasn't built in a day. Owner was stressing that Gryphon amps might not be sufficiently powerful.
