Anyone hear the Van Alstine CA1 Control Amplifier or NP1 amp demoed?

If one can consider themselves a budget audiophile, say someone who has had the typical introductory receivers, integrated and such, these 50 to 80 watt amps open some doors into a level that could satisfy for a long time.  While there isn't alot there's still some, typically the larger brands but fewer among the more boutique manufacturers.  

So far I like it and still its an adjustment from what I have had.  Paired with good speakers and a decent dac is all I need.  I have the dacs covered and the Opticon for a budget speaker is pretty decent.

I may get that SVS sub woofer connector which I take from the phone call converts the signal output to a voltage a powered sub can take rather than buying a better sub and without changing the power output to your speakers.  I only use it for fill-in.

Looking at some other speakers. From experience there's alot I can take off the list. Somewhere around the $2K mark give or take perhaps in a size and design I want.  I can wait as well.  No rush.

I to put this amp on a short list from the reviews and talking to Frank.  He seemed pumped about it.  Who knows, it could become an American classic, if there is such a thing in audio.  Competitor amps run much higher in price in some cases.

I still stand behind the Keces E40 as a small room/office/desktop option but it drove my gear well in a LR setting as well.  The CA-1 is both different and better in certain regards, and a bit more powerful.  And I feel comfortable lifting 20 lbs. 

Budget audiophiles could look at the Keces. It's half the price and typically less used, but doesn't come up used that often.  Made in Taiwan by a brand known for power conditioners when they started.

Hegel like many popular brands cost. They sound good but also safe. Boring to some, exquisite to others.  It is powerful but overkill for me in spite that it has the connectivity I prefer.  I like it but this CA-1 is different and I like it so far too. 

@seanheis1 that's a big difference I guess. But then Hegel must think that they have to give something for costing twice. Norwegianness?

Sometimes when people pay more they think they get more...

@gano true. If you're gonna cost twice and still be made in China (Hegel)...that gives me pause. 

Well, in perspective, the Hegel retailed for $3500 at the time the Set 120 was probably $1000.  The Hegel, mine anyhow had more connectivity with its dac, pre outs and XLR, has 3X the power.  And it had to come to the US through customs, a distributor and the retail showrooms.  The Hegel cost more than the comparable Parasound Int. at the time too and those two amps were comparable although I preferred the SQ of the Hegel by a margin.

There are alot of other amps of various design that were and still are much more in price.  At the time I saw the Hegel as a high performance and reliable product at a still affordable price in a more high end audio product which I believe it was and probably still is.  Not a budget product by any means but a good one and competitive among its peers.

The VA I purchased knowing its limitations was solely due to its SQ as reported by users, and given its positive long history in business.  And at a slightly used discounted price helped.

When the owner, who isn't a only a one person operation passes, that may be the end of V/A as we know them.  Just like Croft over in England did.  Parasound was bought out.  Hegel will probably pass hands too. 

But that happens with audio companies. Buy a good product whether the Company  is there or not in a few years as its meant to be enjoyed, for as long as possible.

I still think Hegel is a good product and within reach. Used prices are decent for buyers, I know its relative. 

The truly high end and far less accessible products even discounted are outside the reach of many. How much more that gives you, I don't know. Maybe a more you are there performance at louder SPLs, but I don;t want that either.  

Lots of good products that satisfy at various prices under or over a grand, which is good for all of us.

Also on the Hegel pricing: used ones sell at a similar price of used AVAs, maybe 20% more. Which is very telling. The used market has a lot of $500 to a $1000 integrateds. It looks like Creek is really the winner there.

Btw Leak has very similar construction than Hegel, but looks profoundly different. It’s a money pit :)