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Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Antique Sound Lab Wave DT (AV-8) Amplifier (Tube) by smeade02@mckenna.edu

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REVIEW: Antique Sound Lab Wave DT (AV-8) Amplifier (Tube)

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Model: Wave DT (AV-8)
Category: Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $99 - 120
Description: 8wpc Monoblock
Manufacturer URL: Antique Sound Lab
Manufacturer URL: Antique Sound Lab

Review by smeade02@mckenna.edu ( A ) on February 20, 2002 at 00:50:38
IP Address: 134.173.162.53
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for the Wave DT (AV-8)


Let me begin by talking about the amp these replaced. I previously had a stock Phase Linear 400 II. 200watts/ch. I kept the Phase Linear in my rack to compare but I liked the Waves so much I didn't even bother to check the Phase Linear for a month. For me, audiophile nervosa is a powerful force and the fact that I didn't do a "reality check" back with my old amp for a month speaks volumes about the difference.

The Basics:

These amps are very solidly made. Sure, they don't look like Jeff Rowland or BAT but they ooze quality. The only "issue" of mine was that each amp didn't rest squarely on its feet. I put a dime under one of the feet on each one and all is well. For $119 each I can certainly live with that. As you can guess, I opted for the cages and IEC power cables. Interestingly enough, I really like the exposed tubes and keep the covers off. Unfortunately, one of my unaware friends grabbed a hot tube by mistake.

The Sound:

Let me start off by describing what I was hoping to achieve by buying these amps. I thought my phase linear setup was nice, non-fatiguing, but way too sterile. The original PL 400s are labeled "laboratory standard amplifier." That's exactly what they sounded like and I wanted something with more magic. I wasn't exactly sure what "magic" I was looking for, but I knew tubes amps are much more likely to have it and I thought I'd try em out at their price.

I plugged them in and the first thing I noticed was how much bigger and deeper the soundstage was. I'm not talking about the kind of differences you notice after listening for a few minutes; I was sitting at my desk far from the ideal listening position and it was immediately noticeable. The music was quite a bit more involving.

I have been fortunate enough to listen to these amps with three different pairs of speakers: Paradigm Mini Mk3, Axiom M22Ti, GR Research Paradox 1. I'll talk about them in the same order I listened.

The Paradigms are not very efficient speakers. The Waves definiteletly sounded much better than the Phase Linear. They played as loud as I wanted to hear them, but not much louder. The only issue I noticed was a response peak on certain instruments that was a little less than pleasing. Certain upper alto sax registers didn't sound quite right. Cables lessened or increased the effect, but it never went away completely; it was also present with the phase linear, but much less so. At times, the music also tended to sound a little "stylized." It wasn't blurred or less resolute (quite the opposite, the Waves delivered much more detail than the PL) but had a certain overly vibrant sound. In short, the music was very enjoyable but tended to sound a little melodramatic.

I bought the Axiom M22Tis mainly because of Soundstage. The Waves seemed to like driving these much more than the Paradigms. I think the combined efficiency increase and better impedance characteristics (the Paradigms dipped to 4ohms) played a big part. With the right speakers the Waves are definitely capable of sounding punchy and dynamic. They sound much bigger than 10watts.

I sent bakc the Axioms and got the GR Research Paradox 1s. Bingo. The Paradox 1s have a minimum of impedance of 7.2ohms...the amps definitely like that. They go plenty loud in my small room. I also find these amps deliver very "tuneful" bass. I never really understood that term until hearing this combination. It's not particularly deep or solid but contains a ton of timbral information. For example, string bass is a lot of fun to listen to now. With the Paradox 1s the amps do not sound overly vibrant at all.

The Conclusion:


They definitely lack the tonal neutrality of the PL; they don't sound as anal-retentively precise. That's the bad news...but the good news is that in terms of musical enjoyment there is no contest. They are extraordinarily involving. They are the type of amp that isn't the best at anything but it pretty good at a lot of things. Their flaws are not of the glaring variety. The top end is on par with typical solid states amps. It's never downright rough, but it could definitely be a little smoother. I still have the original Ei Yugoslavian tubes. I've been told the sovteks and hovland caps more or less eliminate harshness from the highend. I also think my MIT Terminator 5s could be a problem. Also, the Focal tweeters are a little less than forgiving.

I think it's interest to compare these to the Audio Refinement Complete my parents own. These are definitely more involving and detailed, but they are also a little more colorful. Personally, I like the Waves better; it's more enjoyable to listen to music.

In closing, these are very enjoyable amps to listen to. If you have the right environment to use them in, they could be an incredible value for you. Speakers that have an impedance of > 6ohms across the board will produce the best results, I think. One nice thing is that I sold my PL amp on Ebay for more than I paid for these monoblocks. It's pretty rare that one can sell something used, cover something new, and end up with much better sound quality.

Stephen


Product Weakness: Not the last word in top-end refinement or overall neutrality...only 10 watts...only 8ohm taps
Product Strengths: Incredible musicality/dollar...well made...inexpensive


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: ASL Wave 8
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Marantz CD-67se
Speakers: GR Research Paradox 1
Cables/Interconnects: MIT Terminator 5
Music Used (Genre/Selections): All Kinds
Room Size (LxWxH): 12 x 10 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: Several Months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Antique Sound Lab Wave DT (AV-8) Amplifier (Tube) - smeade02@mckenna.edu 00:50:38 02/20/02 ( 12)