2. amps-preamps
  3. 183319-3158

Synthesis Amplifiers: One of High End's Best Kept Secrets?

Just stopping by to share my enthusiasm for my new Synthesis A100 Titan integrated amplifier. For the past few years, I have been on the hunt for the best integrated amp I could find in my price range. I've had a Line Magnetic 508ia, a Devialet, a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400, a Boulder 866, a Vitus RI-101 mk2, and a Vitus SIA-025 mk2 in the past four or five years. I enjoyed aspects of each of these amps, some related to sonics, some to functionality, and some to build quality. 

And yet, in each case, after several months, I found that I wasn't quite getting the sound I wanted--rich, three-dimensional. engaging, and dynamic without being fatiguing. Too often, I found myself picking the sonic picture apart, assessing this or that at the expense of pure musical enjoyment.

I finally decided to give up on my hunt for the "perfect" solid state solution and go back to tubes, which led me to audition the Synthesis A100 Titan, an amp that features an octet of KT66 tubes, a pair of 12AX7, a pair of 12BH7, and even an onboard DAC. I was intrigued by this amp, but found very, very little written about it in the audio forums (here and elsewhere), except the praise of a couple of folks.

I've had it about a month now, so while I cannot give a guarantee that it is my "lifetime amp" in light of my history of amp promiscuity, I can say with absolute assurance that I find this amp far more satisfying and exciting than any of the amps I've had through here over the past few years.

In short, I am just astonished by it. I had assumed that at the very least, the onboard DAC would be inferior to my Lampizator Baltic 3, which is just wonderful in every respect, but as I spend more time comparing, I am not even sure of that anymore. The onboard DAC is so good that I am now planning to try some different USB cables to see how much performance can be squeezed out of it. Very possibly, my excellent Lampi may soon be up for sale.

Just to be clear, this is no ad, and I have no affiliation whatsoever with any dealer or distributor. I just can't believe how good this amp is, and how relatively unheralded it is. So I am heralding. The Titan is a pure pleasure to listen through every night, and a magical match with my Fyne speakers. The presentation is utterly immersive, and spellbinding. I am no longer picking the sound apart. There's no need.

If you are in the market, I highly recommend an audition.

 

 

128x128waltersalas
larryi
3,724 posts
 

Yes, the Roma 69DC is a very good DAC.  Also good are the DACs built into Synthesis integrated amps.  This is a company that delivers good value. 

Italy does have quite a few good Audio companies.  I like the stuff from Lector; they make very good DACs and phono stages.  I recently discovered some pretty decent sounding speakers from a company called Rosso Fiorentino.

pryso
1,909 posts
 

Walter/Chris, and others, re: biasing problem.

Years ago I got a pair of Cary 100w mono amps.  I enjoyed the sonic match with my speakers at that time but was frustrated that the bias pots were installed inside the amp chassis.  Needless to say a real pain for adjusting bias.

I'm not knowledgable about electronics but could see no reason why the bias pot could not be installed on top of the chassis.  So I carefully drilled a hole in a convenient place on the top and mounted the pot there.  It was a simple process and made adjustments so much easier and less time consuming.

Since I'm not familiar with Synthesis amps I have no idea if this could easily be done with them, but I certainly would investigate. 

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas OP
942 posts
 

@pryso 

Now there's a thought! I am going to look into that possibility right away. Thanks for a creative potential solution. This is my only issue with this amp, which continues to delight me every day.

woodsage's avatar
woodsage
74 posts
 

I have a Synthesis Roma 27 AC and love it. It was very easy to bias with a little instruction from Luigi. Yes, it has to be done inside the amp and an outside bias adjustment would be easier. As far as lethal voltages; sure, you have to be aware and have some basic knowledge. Much like you do when driving on the freeway at lethal speeds surrounded by drivers scrolling through their social media posts.

 

pryso
1,909 posts
 

walter, yes, be very careful what you touch inside the amp.

Remove all the tubes before turning it over and removing the bottom cover.  Don't want any accident with those.

Take whatever photos as necessary of original wiring to be certain all correct after relocating the pot.

Depending on the layout, longer wires may be needed with the new pot position.  Try to use the same gauge and colors as original.

Verify from Synthesis what the bias reading should be.  Even with that longevity you may want to check it a couple of times a year.  Be sure amp is fully warmed up when reading (one problem with inside pot location).

Good luck and enjoy.

More to discover