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Amplifier reviews from Hardesty's

The current issue of Richard Hardesty's quarterly publication, "Audio Perfectionist Journal", is devoted to reviews of some of the best high-end audio amps available. The following amps that fell generally in the top ranking are: ARC V100 Mk3; Ayre V-5x; Parasound Halo JC1 monoblocks; Nagra VPA; Theta Citadel monoblocks; Theta Dreadnaught II; and VTL 450 monoblocks.

The second group of amps that fell in the very good but not outstanding category were: Anthem PVA7 (MSRP: $1500); Arcam P7; BAT VK-6200; Linn Klimax Solo 500; and Classe CAV-500.

Also mentioned were the following amps that were NOT recommended: B&K 7250; Integra Research RDA-7; and Linn AV5125.

The amps were tested and evaluated by Hardesty and Shane Buettner, who also reviews gear for TAS. The two amps which garnered the highest praise were the Ayre V-5X (a 150 wpc stereo model that sells for $4500), and the Theta Citadel monoblocks (rated at 400 watts, and priced at $15,000 for the pair).

Some sample comments (which I've summarized to save space):
1. The V-5x: "Simply an awesome amplifier, although a bit light in the bass compared to the other amps. Plush, dead quiet background, outstanding image focus and dimensionality, and a highly resolved mid-range. One of the best amplifiers I've ever heard with regard to focusing musicians in space convincingly. The V-5x has a pure and liquid sound that's less "hi-fi" than is typical of solid state. The Theta Citadels, at nearly $16,000, are the only solid-state amps I've heard that match, and slightly exceed, the V-5x's combination of liquid musicality and resolving power. At its price point, the V-5X is a revelation. The V-5x is one of the best power amps available at any price. I've never heard anything with more midrange resolution or better image focus. It's quiet and refined, and exceptionally clean, pure and musical. You have to spend a lot more to get only slightly better performance."
2. Theta Citadel monoblocks: "A no-holds-barred monoblock. The Citadels, by comparison to the Dreadnaught, have better bass, improved midrange resolution, and an airier, more extended top end. They have layers of front to back depth, resolution, and utterly convincing image focus and dimensionality. The sound is also as pure and musical as I've heard from a solid state amp, with the natural, liquid, non-fatiguing sound of tube gear. As excellent as the other amps in this survey are, the Citadels are a cut above them all." Richard Hardesty adds his own footnote to the review, saying: "The Citadels are the best amplifiers I've heard. The provided deal silent backgrounds like the Ayre, holographic imaging that used to be strictly the province of tubes, and bass control and impact that you could never get from tubes..."

The Parasound Halo JC 1's and the Theta Dreadnaught also drew very positive comments, finishing very close to the the Ayre and the Citadels.

I invite our members to add their own reactions and comments to those of Hardesty and Buettner.
sdcampbell

Showing 1 response by artar1

artar1
159 posts
 

Mattkimb96,

If it's any consolation, Thomas Norton tested both the Dreadnaught I and II. He felt that the Dreadnaught II offers a small sonic improvement over the Dreadnaught I.

While it's always good to check audio reviewers' opinions when compiling a short list of amps to audition, the final selection needs to be made based upon one's own personal tastes and preferences, the speakers to be used, the other components in the system, along with room acoustics. It would be a disservice to take anyone's word, even Hardesty's, as the Gospel.

For me, I prefer an amp that has body, richness, warmth, soundstaging, presence, harmonic sweetness, and impact. Dynamics for me are a little less important.

There are a number of amps Hardesty could have tested, but did not: Pass X350, McIntosh MC402, Mark Levinson 432, Ayre V1-X, BAT VK 600, Conrad Johnson Premier 140, Conrad Johnson Premier 350, Belles 350A, Classe Audio CA 301, Krell FPB300CX, Rouge Audio Zeus, Bryston 14B-SST, Simaudio W-5 Limited Edition, Plinius SA-102, and so on. As you can see, there are a huge number of amps to choose from, almost an unlimited number. One really has to think for himself when putting a system together, otherwise one will always be at the whim of current style and taste, which changes every three-to-six months.
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