Clash of the Titans

Ivanj, to answer your question.

There are compromises with all audio gear and big tube power amplifiers are no different. They are labor intensive to build and subject to many design decisions that must balance performance, reliability and price. Some designers compromise all three, some only one or two.

My reference speakers are the Soundlab Ultimate 1 which makes that choice even more critical. Not the easiest speaker to drive to live listening levels.

I've already owned the Atmasphere MA 2 ( not Mk ll) , the Tube Research GT 400, two Viva's and now the Wolcotts. Speaking with a fellow audiophile today made me wonder I had overlooked (a possible) perfect option.

Many ideas to consider here.

I just got a call from Mike Elliott to do advertising photography of the new Aria amps. 350 watt monos that are hybrid.

I know since they are Mike's design that the sound will be good. It will be interesting to see how they balance against all tube design.

Tekunda, If you buy Soundlab A1 and listen with the Kron please post or send me your impressions via email.

The A1 is almost identical to my U1, so your performance impressions would be valuable. When are you getting the speakers and amps?

Tekunda, feel free to contact me once your Soundlab speakers are broken in, I have tweaks that will help performance.