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TO: Speakerman 57; SUBJECT: Return of your Loaner Norh SE-9 Amp [message #1751]

Sun, 22 May 2005 12:06

BillEpstein
Messages: 886
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (2nd Degree)

Ain't gonna happen!
This amp is better than the tweaked ASL MG15, way ahead of the Almarro and better in the upper mids than the Stoetkit altho' not quite as tight in the bass.
Single-ended triode EL-34's are the BOMB! Get ahold of the ASL and swap out it's stock KT-88 for an EL-34 and hear the difference.
The Norh is lacking in dynamics and a bit rolled off on top but for the $$$, the convenience and on a warm day, the low heat signature, it's way excellent.
Loaner, my ass!

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Re: TO: Speakerman 57; SUBJECT: Return of your Loaner Norh SE-9 Amp [message #1752 is a reply to message #1751]

Sun, 22 May 2005 12:56

spkrman57
Messages: 522
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (1st Degree)

Bill,

You should hear it with the Mullard EL34's and Sylvania 12AX7A's! I think it goes one level better.

Like I said before "Friends don't let friends run SS on horns"!!!

Don't forget the one on Audiogon for $250.00, at that price I'm surprised it is still there!

Ron

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Another nice single-ended EL34 - Image SE8 [message #1753 is a reply to message #1751]

Sun, 22 May 2005 12:59

Wayne Parham
Messages: 18689
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I know what you mean about single-ended EL34's. I'm really impressed with the Nelson Audio Image SE8, which also uses single-ended EL34's. For the longest time, I had concluded that SET amps under a thousand bucks weren't for me. But this one is excellent, and it squeaks in under a grand, if only just under. I had it connected to the two π towers at GPAF and it was sweeeeeeet.

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KT-88 amp already gone ! [message #1754 is a reply to message #1752]

Sun, 22 May 2005 13:00

spkrman57
Messages: 522
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (1st Degree)

My experience with the ASL chinese audio gear had me almost going back to SS. The Norh SE-9 is made in Thailand, and the Almorro A205 is made in Japan.

The only chinese amp I have heard to date that even came close to impressing me is the Cayin TA-30 amp (PP EL34) and is not close to the Japanese amps I have.

Of course that is not fair comparing to my Yamamoto A-08 45 SET amp!!!

Ron

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Re: KT-88 amp already gone ! [message #1755 is a reply to message #1754]

Sun, 22 May 2005 13:06

Wayne Parham
Messages: 18689
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I think the Nelson Audio amp I mentioned above would change your mind. I've had some bad experiences with cheap Chinese gear too, so I'm always skeptical. But I really like Consonance and I like Nelson Audio. One of these times, I'll have to send you my SE8 to try. Maybe in another month or so. I'm enjoying it too much right now and I know it'd be hell trying to get it back from you and Bill.

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Re: Another nice single-ended EL34 - Image SE8 [message #1756 is a reply to message #1753]

Sun, 22 May 2005 13:06

spkrman57
Messages: 522
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (1st Degree)

Wayne,

No doubt the SE-8 is probably a nice amp. The Norh SE-9 is only $459.00 delivered to your door with EH EL34's, Sovtek 5AR4 rectifier and EH 12AX7's. Potted trannys, quiet operation with no controls to tweak/adjust bias/balance or hum. Plug and play and sounds damn good for a low-cost amp.

By the way, the website link did not indicate what country this amp is from, do you know?

Ron

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