2. amps-preamps
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845 SET? deHavilland / Art Audio/et..al.

Any impressions on the deHavilland Aries and Art Audio Carissa? How do they compare? Comparable 845 based amps that should be considered? How do they compare with those mentioned? And finally, and thoughts on the difference in sound between the dH Aries monoblocks and the stereo IOS? My speakers are Merlin VSM-MXes, should that enter into the equation. Thanks.
pubul57

Showing 3 responses by goldeneraguy

goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Pubul57,I am a very happy owner of the deHavilland Aries 845G
Its the best amp i have owned in my quest for nirvana.With the Aries G you also get Kara as an extra bonus.
The Viva Solista is very,very close IMHO.but this would take your Joule-Electra 150 mk11 out of your system.
Are you unhappy with your CAT amps or just want that SET sound
Best of luck with any decision you make
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Phaelon,my speakers are 4ohm,87db.The Aries 845G drives them with ease in my 12x21 room.It has all the SET purity and yet I have never thought this amp to be warm or lush.
I have tried a 250 watt solid state and a 200 watt digital amp
with these speakers, and they couldn't drive them the way the Aries G does.The only downside if any is the 845 tube is more costly then the EL34 or KT88 tube.
I hope this helps.If you would care for more info email me any time.
Enjoy

goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Pubul57.No,what i meant was that the Solista being an integrated amp has its own preamp.You could use the Solista
as an amp only and use the joule-electra for the pre, but that would mean you are paying for something you wont be using.
Sorry for the confusion
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