Ok, Il ring in here as an owner of DM58s.
First, built like no other amp, I have audiotioned and owned multiple Mark Levinson (to me there were the best of the best in built quality) The Halcros rank right up there with industrial looks and design.
Connectivity, one thing I liked about the Halcro was there ability of offer a switched option from RCA or XLR, yes, most amp have that but how many have a completely seperate switched design for either.
Service : Here again, I had an issue, they paid air fraight from here to Aus and return..all on there dime, they kept me in the loop of what was done and when it was estimated to be returned.
Sound : As it was stated a few time, to me, smooth detailed full of soundstage and complete from top to bottom. However, I went to CES last year and heard the VAC with the Pipedreams and there sounded so lush, detailed.. At that point I figuered I had made a bo-bo picking up the Halcro. But then they put on a piece that entailed some rather healthy punch and that is where the sound suffered.. many tube system suffer when punchy music, not all but many, this in my view is where SS amps take over. So, in summary, its a matter of taste, to the reviwer the Halcros fit the bill in his type of enviroment.. The Halcro are so honest to the music, its not even funny. Many other amps such as the VACs slightly "colour" the sound that maybe very very apealing to many.
If you want one of the best SS on the PLANET at any cost, the Halcros are there for the taking(at a price). For me, a perfect match to my Aero Audio Capitole MKII. But then again, I have yet to test the elite in Tube amps .. so nothing is forever, espcially in this hobby !!
Matt
http://members.rogers.com/mzn50/
First, built like no other amp, I have audiotioned and owned multiple Mark Levinson (to me there were the best of the best in built quality) The Halcros rank right up there with industrial looks and design.
Connectivity, one thing I liked about the Halcro was there ability of offer a switched option from RCA or XLR, yes, most amp have that but how many have a completely seperate switched design for either.
Service : Here again, I had an issue, they paid air fraight from here to Aus and return..all on there dime, they kept me in the loop of what was done and when it was estimated to be returned.
Sound : As it was stated a few time, to me, smooth detailed full of soundstage and complete from top to bottom. However, I went to CES last year and heard the VAC with the Pipedreams and there sounded so lush, detailed.. At that point I figuered I had made a bo-bo picking up the Halcro. But then they put on a piece that entailed some rather healthy punch and that is where the sound suffered.. many tube system suffer when punchy music, not all but many, this in my view is where SS amps take over. So, in summary, its a matter of taste, to the reviwer the Halcros fit the bill in his type of enviroment.. The Halcro are so honest to the music, its not even funny. Many other amps such as the VACs slightly "colour" the sound that maybe very very apealing to many.
If you want one of the best SS on the PLANET at any cost, the Halcros are there for the taking(at a price). For me, a perfect match to my Aero Audio Capitole MKII. But then again, I have yet to test the elite in Tube amps .. so nothing is forever, espcially in this hobby !!
Matt
http://members.rogers.com/mzn50/