SET Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Mirror 15 SET monoblocks Amplifier (Tube) by isaacc7@cox.net

Model:	15 SET monoblocks
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1460
Description:	Ultimate Parrallel single ended all triode 15 watt power amp
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Mirror
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Mirror

Review by isaacc7@cox.net ( A ) on February 24, 2004 at 21:57:47
IP Address: 68.227.207.81

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for the 15 SET monoblocks

I picked up a pair of the "Eargazm" 6as7 amps off an auction on Audiogon. Victor (of audio mirror) was selling these as demos and I got a really really good price on them. This is a parallel single ended design. The 6as7 is a twin triode, so I have the equivelant of 4 triodes on each side! The amps use a 6sl7 as the input and a 6sn7 as a driver. i'm told that they are in a SRPP configuration, but I couldn't tell you if that is a good thing or not! Victor told me that I could 6sn7 tubes as the input if I could live with a little less gain. This particular pair of amps is a little different than the standard ones. Mine have a stepped attenuator on each to control gain and the amps also have dual, switchable inputs.
The amp comes with an all Russian tube complement. I quickly found that NOS Tungsol and Sylvania 6sl7 tubes made a big improvment in the overall sound. Victor told me that the driver has minimal impact on the sound, and I have to agree, I don't hear a big difference with other tubes. That doesn't mean that there's no difference though. I do slightly prefer the tonal qualities of my "chrome dome" Sylvanias. I also tried these in the input location with good effect. I have plenty of drive coming from my CDP, so gain wasn't a problem. I think a good pair of 6sl7 tubes offer a little more high frequency extension over the 6sn7 tubes. The stock output tubes sound pretty nice, they remind me of the Sovtek 2A3 sound. They've got a clarity to them that sounds nice on some material. The only other output tubes I've tried so far (and am using right now) is a set of NOS GE 6080 tubes. These have a "thicker" sound, but I really like the tonal reproduction of these, especially with electric guitars.
These amps have all of the hallmarks of what I consider the SE sound. They're open, lively, non fatiging, and very good at tonal reproduction. These amps do space very well, I'm impressed by the depth and size of recording venues. My speaker setup isn't really ideal as far as imaging goes but they seem to do a pretty good job of locating instruments in the hall. The big thing for me is the power. I have plenty to work with, and I don't feel as though i'm running out of juice. My speakers (Phase Tech PC3) are rated 92db sensitivity and there is zero problems driving them, even when using the lower gain 6sn7 in the input position. If I compare them directly to some of the non parallel SE designs I've heard in this system I'd say the eargazm lacks the last bit of clarity and cohesion that I've heard in other amps. I'm comparing them to Cary 845, 300b, and 2a3 single ended amps. The important thing is that only the 845 model had as much oomph and drive as these do. Of course those amps range from 4 to 20(!) times the price of what I paid for these. Even if I had paid the full price, those other amps are still at least twice as expensive, so I consider these to be an outright steal. The only real negative to these things so far is that I can hear a little bit of transformer hum coming from one of the monoblocks. Once the music starts, I can no longer hear it, but in between tracks I can notice the buzz.
My system is pretty basic at this point, it's just a Denon DCD-S10 feeding the amps directly through Tributaries interconnects. I can't remember the model of them, but they are the blue, top of the line ones. The speakers are the aformentioned Phase Tech PC3 using Tributaries SP4 (I think) speaker cable. If you'd like some of the magic of SE amps but don't think you can get enough power, definately check out the Audio Mirror amps!

Product Weakness: One of the power transformers hums
Product Strengths: Tonal quality, power, great looks, cheap tubes, great price for the performance given

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Audio Mirror Eargazm
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon dcd-s10
Speakers:	Phase Tech PC3
Cables/Interconnects:	Tributaries
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Lots of piano, classical gutiar, Black Sabbath, Billy Bragg, a little of everything
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 25 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	One of the power transformers hums
Product Strengths:	Tonal quality, power, great looks, cheap tubes, great price for the performance given