Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Consonance Cyber 800 mono-blocks Amplifier (Tube) by gotoma8

Model:	Cyber 800 mono-blocks
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3995.
Description:	All tube mono-block amplifiers
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by gotoma8 ( A ) on May 16, 2006 at 14:51:50
IP Address: 199.207.253.101

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for the Cyber 800 mono-blocks

Traded in my Solid State Mono 200wpc to the Cyber 800 and its mate, the Cyber 222 pre-amp. First impression was that it was a little fragile on the high frequency, but after about 20 hours of break in, they sing like nothing I've heard in my system. I love its bass control for a tube amp (push/pull) with 78 wpc into 8 ohms. I think it even has more bass than my previous SS Monos, which was surprising. I read the reviews and bass was one thing that the review said the 800 would excel in, but I'd never thought it would be this good.
Details, details and more details...that's how I would describe the highs on this amp. It's so clear and sweet that you'd think you're hearing things that's not in the recording, but then you realize that you never heard it before! The highs are now smooth, extended and well, amazing!
Midrange is full-bodied, like a good earthy merlot versus a chardonay. It's dynamic and has power to drive the Vienna Acoustic Strauss, a 4 ohm 87db-89db speaker to play louder than your ears can handle...
All in all, I love this amp...of course I would love more power than the 78 wpc into 8 ohms, but hey, for that kind of power in tubes, you'll need to spend at least double the $3995 of the Cyber 800.
T

Product Weakness: if anything, and I am digging here, more power?
Product Strengths: Bass control and extended highs

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Cyber 800
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Cyber 222
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI Scout
Speakers:	Vienna Acoustic Strauss
Cables/Interconnects:	Groneberg
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Patricia Barber, Jazz and Electronic
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 15 x 14
Room Comments/Treatments:	Jon Risch tube traps (4ft x 18in) x 4 traps
Time Period/Length of Audition:	three weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	mine except the Strauss, which is on demo

Product Weakness:	if anything, and I am digging here, more power?
Product Strengths:	Bass control and extended highs