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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 3 responses by bigtee

bigtee
803 posts
 
I used the Theta Dreadnaught I 4-ch for a while with my Vandersteen 3a Sigs. I found it to be a good overall amp but a trifle soft in the bottom and lacking in the "Jump" factor. Mids and highs were excellent although I felt a touch off in dynamic impact.
I have since switched to a Belles 350a and found it to be the ideal amp for the Vandersteen's in the solid state world. It sounds as holographic with a wide soundstage and true depth and height as the Theta but better dynamically(I'm not talking sock it to the wall, it allows the flow of the music to be alive more) It also sounds more powerful.
I know Hardesty has a distaste for a mosfet output amp but this one sounds as good as any I have heard. Belles use Jfet input, bipolar drivers and mosfet output devices. It is also the simplest looking amp inside with no caps in the signal path.
I'm going to try an Ayre V5x for a comparison. I have tried the JC1's and while they are very good amps, with the 3a Sigs, a giant case of overkill. I agree with hardesty that the depth of these amps are not quite up to the others. Of course a very extended breakin may change that. I do know they're built like a brick house.
bigtee
803 posts
 
Atagi, I ordered the Ayre today. I had to search around for a dealer since there's not one in this state. Anyway, it is being drop shipped and should be here within a week. Once I get it run in, I certainly post a thread on my impressions of it. Hopefully, one day i'll find that perfect synergy or maybe I'm already close.
One other amp that I heard was a good match is the ARC VS55. It's only 50/ch but according to some reports, it drives the 3A sigs easily in a moderately sized room. It was reported that the "Big man" himself likes these.
bigtee
803 posts
 
keith, i'm going to listen to the arc-vs110 during the 2cd week in july and the vs55. Should be interesting. i had a dealer tell me that the vs55 was a match made in heaven. he gives private auditions and you can listen till your hearts content. he also said converting them to a balanced input makes them even more special. i went sorta against his advice in getting the ayre but i'm a ss kind of guy but i'll kep an open mind. i just hate the thought of retubing amps periodically. kind of expensive.
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