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New Audio Frontiers 211 SE amp opinions and experience

An opportunity has come up to get my hands on a New Audio Frontiers 211SE (stereo version). Wondering if anyone has any experience with them? Not too much press state-side but plenty in Europe. I've had Art Audio Carissa 845 that performed very well with my Harbeth SHL5s and Zu Essence but eventually lost out to 2a3 and 45 amp with my Klipsch LaScala. The rest of the system are: LP12/Origin Live/Lyra MC, Esoteric SA50, David Berning ZOTL PreOne, and Chord, Crystal Cable and Nordost cables. I have as mainstays Alan Eaton 2a3, Paul Birkeland 3C24, and LTA Ultralinear, but crave a more balsy (for lack of a better word) presentation or slam from time to time. As always, positive opinions and constructive criticisms are greatly appreciated.
128x128bananaslug
wrm57
985 posts
 
@bananaslug , I'm curious what you think about the LTA Ultralinear compared to your Eaton 2A3 amp on your LaScala. I'm running a 2A3 amp on Cornwall IV. While the sound is wonderful at lower volumes it runs out of gas a bit when I turn it up. The LTA UL is an amp I'm seriously considering. Does it really provide the SET magic?
bananaslug's avatar
bananaslug OP
18 posts
 
It's hard to say at this point. The Eaton 2a3 has been my main amp. I previously had a pre-owned LTA Ref40 which I loved and regret getting rid of. The Ultralinear has not broken in yet (less than 20 hrs of use) so it's not fairing as well against the 2a3 in my ears at least. But I mostly listen to vocals, acoustic, blues, and compressed 70s-90s rock and soul music so that might be limiting my impression as well. Two years ago, I spoke to a fellow who owned both the ZOTL Ref40 and Ultralinear and he preferred the latter for its "more refined sound", which is why I decided to give it a try.  I'll plug the Ultralinear back in and give you my impression if you're patient.
bananaslug's avatar
bananaslug OP
18 posts
 
Apologies but the last comment was for WRM57.
bananaslug's avatar
bananaslug OP
18 posts
 
I might add also add that the Ultralinear is definitely a quieter amp by a good margin.
wrm57
985 posts
 
@bananaslug , thanks for comments. I look forward to hearing more about the UL as it breaks in. I've been torn between trying it and the 40Ref. Nicholas at LTA seems to think the latter would be better for the speakers I have in mind for it, Cornwall IV. Perhaps he's right. But I'm enamored of the 2A3 SET sound, and my sense is the UL would have more of that delicacy. My concern is that it might be a bit sterile, at least relative to SETs. I'll be interested in your opinion.
Bill
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