Any expereince with Coincident Frankenstein II Amp

Hi Firochromis,
Great amp!~ Congrats. been enjoying the Franks MKII like the ones you just purchased for over 3 years. I have also heard the new ones. If there is a sonic difference I honestly couldn't hear it. Others do, but in any case the difference are very subtle at best.

Regards,

I just picked up a pair of Franks direct from Coincident a few days ago. They're matched up with a pair of Total Victory V (latest version). For now I'm using the Statement Phono Stage as full function pre but will soon be adding the Statement Line Stage.

Although the amps and speakers are still breaking in I can say that without a doubt this is the finest system I've ever had - not even close. The sound is so vivid that at times it's downright startling. The Franks far, far outshine my previous Manley Neoclassic 300b amps - at approx half the retail cost and not even broken in yet! They're also extremely hassle-free - only 3 tubes and auto bias.

The only thing I need is a bit more gain, particularly for my lowish output CD player - hence my plan to add the Statement Line Stage.

Israel Blume is really working magic these days. In today's high end audio world his components are screaming bargains -- particularly his electronics, which all have insane power supplies and are built like veritable tanks. I didn't see anything at RMAF which comes anywhere close to his equipment for anywhere near the price....

I am curious how the Franks compare to Wavelength Cardinals or Napoleons? I have always heard great things about both, am getting more efficient speakers so will be on the set amp hunt. Thanks.

Kevinmed,
Arthur Salvatore(High End-Audio,com) once wrote that the Wavelength Cardinal was perhaps one of the "very best" 300b SET amps he`d ever heard. He states that the Coincident Frankenstein is simply
the best amp he`s ever personally heard with appropriate speakers.

I heard the Cardinal monoblocks with the Vaughn speakers at RMAF this year and the sound was quite good! this amplifier has always had excellent reviews over the years.
I`ve not heard the Franks and Cardinal head to head.

These things will always be subjective, but as an owner of the Franks(listening nearly daily for over 2 years) this amplifier is just OUTSTANDING! In the truest sense of the term.Thus far in my personal experience I will say this amp is the most natural-organic and realistic sounding yet, and I`ve heard many good ones.

It comes down to priorities, if like me you want pure,natural and honest reproduction of full tone with harmonic/overtone preservation along with exceptional dynamics(micro and macro) ultra low noise floor and tiny nuance retrival, this is your amplifier(Shuguang Black Treasure 300b tubes).Acoustic instruments and voice are devine.
The Frankenstein MKII is a stunning achievement by Israel Blume(so is the Statement Linestage).
Sincerely and Best Regards,
Charles

I would love to hear both the Frank's and Wavelenth in comparison.