Carver knew about the value of meters. I had a pair of their small monoblocks in the 90's. I can't remember the model number. They didn't sound good at all BUT, they held a good value I think because of the cool looking Frankenstein meters they sported. I also had a Threshold T800D with meters. THE best amp I've ever heard. Try finding a used one! Joe
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My old Phase Linear 400 amp had VU meters. After some forty years the light went dim, but not out, on the right channel .Thinking the world may be coming to an end, I replaced the Phase 400 with a brand new Luxman L-507uX Mark 2 with two large brightly lit VU meters. 1. An amp without VU meters is hardly an amp at all. It just sits there showing little or no sign of life or activity, unless you want to count the odd LED as something of note. 2. Those who do not like large ostentatious meters with their gyrating meter needles at best may be heartlessly obsessed with musical perfection to their own detriment. There is no fun in a comatose amp. 3. VU meters at best are useless relics from the past, but then again I might be too, so why not enjoy them and yourself, and both our ridiculous displays. 4. I was thrilled to find out Luxmans had VU meters. The world has not come to an end. Mike |
@twoleftears - You are dating yourself! Preference here is for no fancy stuff. I am having a pair of monoblocks made and the faceplates will have one very small LED and the manufacturer's name engraved, without the model name/number or anything else. After it is engraved, the whole faceplate will be powder-coated black so the engraving will show as a somewhat subtle shading contrast. Since all my gear is kept in a heavy, well-braced mission style cabinet, except the amps and speakers, my listening enjoyment does not rely on my being able to look at the gear. All that said, I still remember being awed by the first high-end system I ever saw. My friend's dad was an attorney and had a full McIntosh system with meters everywhere! I also appreciate the retro look of Ralph's Atmasphere gear. |
mijostyn"Any visual distraction disrupts your ability to listen." If you have found this to be true I urge you to visit your physician for an immediate examination and assessment because you present a clear and present danger to yourself and others around you should you undertake such a function as driving a motor vehicle, for instance. Normal people can both see while they drive as well as converse with passengers, follow the news on the radio, or react to an approaching siren while still properly maintaining lane, speed, and control of the vehicle. In no way should your vision disrupt your hearing that is very sad and I wish you the best of luck as you pursue the cause of you're affliction and it's appropriate and hopeful successful treatment. |
We've had meters on our amps for the last 43 years. They were initially there to set up the power tubes (bias **and** DC Offset, since our amps have a direct-coupled vacuum tube output). This also allowed the user to test the individual tubes on the amp. We went to using a VU meter about 15 years ago. We still use it to set up the tubes but its active all the time. We have our meters built to the original 1934 spec since we like having a vintage look. |
From an aesthetic standpoint I prefer the clean, simple look of my meterless Pass XA25 to the look of the Pass models having meters. Also, I agree with the comments about meters being distracting. The touchscreen on my DEQX HDP-5 can be set to display level meters, but I only set it to do so on rare occasions when I want to see the meters for a specific purpose, such as troubleshooting. Best regards, -- Al |
I really hate those. My last piece with meters was Luxman 505u integrated. Couldn’t wait until I got rid of it (not for the looks though). Most of all I dislike Pass’ ugly useless meters. As of today none of my power amps has meters or displays on them. Even my integrated doesn’t have anything plastic on its faceplate. |
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Thinking about displays, I'm remembering the old Marantz receivers. Myself and two friends each had one , and I never got tired of looking at them in the dark. They were so elegant, and that horizontal tuning wheel felt so luxurious. I felt like I had the best thing in the world...until I bought a Mac. |
Topics of merit..... are just a lot better than topics without merit. Snark aside, I do like the look of meters as they are a tie, of sorts, a link to the past, and the good old days when there was only analog. Eye candy was the rage back then and it's good to see it used still to this day. All the best, Nonoise |
Erik, you're always so provocative in a good natured way. As a very long term owner of a Mac 2105, who owned a 2100 before that (the version with no meters) I would have to say that they really don't mean anything to me. I enjoyed the 2100 just as much. I can understand why some people like them though. I just wish that the lighting was defeatable in the older models. |
