Home
AudioAsylum Trader
Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Wolcott Presence 220M Amplifier (Tube) by theromium

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

For Sale Ads

FAQ / News / Events

 

REVIEW: Wolcott Presence 220M Amplifier (Tube)

64.233.197.195


[ Follow Ups ] Thread:  [ Display   All   Email ] [ Amp/Preamp Asylum ]
[ Alert Moderator ]

Model: Presence 220M
Category: Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price: $9995.00
Description: 220 watt MONO BLOC Tube Power Amp
Manufacturer URL: Wolcott
Manufacturer URL: Wolcott

Review by theromium ( A ) on May 20, 2006 at 10:59:00
IP Address: 64.233.197.195
Add Your Review
for the Presence 220M


Primarily doing this review because of the surprising synergy achieved with my other gear and the fact that this amp is generally misunderstood and not very well known.As with many people when I was researching the Wolcott's it was with the idea that I would later find a used pair of Soundlab M-1's to match them with.The Wolcott's having a fine reputation of being powerful enough to drive the Soundlab's and large Maggies,but never once heard them mentioned with full range dynamic speakers.Found a nice demo pair and of course integrated them into my current system;that was about 5 months ago and now I have lost my inclination to purchase the Soundlabs.Having owned the VR4JR's for over a year(thourghly enjoying them no matter what was driving them)but it wasn't untill the P220's that they really blossomed to thier full capicity.The Wolcotts do so many things right,that I have forgotten about them.My sound is simply rich ,holistic and natural.I will do the review in aspects which isn't the best because it is the wonderful overall sound that I like about them so much,not any one aspect. But time is short and I'm not that good with words.

Please keep in mind that I am an ametuer and that all comments are imho;on to the review.

Upon opening,I was impressed with the pre-formed high density foam used to surround the amps(very secure packing) After setting up I decided to 1st listen to George Winston "Plains".(If the piano sounds real,than an awful lot will fall into place 'think I read that here on the Asylum". Seldom do I move deeply within the music for an entire cd but I did so, because it was as if George was playing his Baby Grand in my living room.And so it has been for 5 months.On any type of music Jazz,vocalists,light classical,folk,new age,bluegrass; these amps provide a realistic 3d soundstage where the speakers and walls disappear on 90% of the music.The music always seems whole and natural.

Tone & Timbre: 100% / Rich and harmonic,oftentimes its so realistic,it's as if they are in the room.

Low-bass: 93% / Very realistic and the timing is almost perfect,can't imagine much better for a tube amp.

Mid-bass: 95% / Again very good.

Midrange: 100% / I have not heard better!

Top end frequencies: 97% / Harmonically crystal clear and extended.

Attack: 95% / realistic drive and extension,very inviting.

Decay: 100% / Again,cannot imagine better,notes hanging in the air..allows the music to be so life like!

Spatial seperation: 95% overall and 88% on complex rock & roll.Never hard etched,the notes from one player melding with those from his band mates.

Inner Resolution: 100% / Inviting,multi textured,truely makes the music joyful.The wrasp from the throat,fingers plucking or sliding on strings,air reverberating within an accoustical body...captivating!

Soundscape width front: 98%

Soundscape width rear: 95%

Soundscape depth behind speakers: 100% / Speakers are 5' out into the room and the rear wall disappears.

Soundscape extension into the room: 100% / The overall sound is slightly laid back (which is what I prefer) and the extension into the room is not invasive.

Imaging: 100% / Spot on with all recordings

Fit and Finish: 100% for design and quality, but 85% for appearance.

Self Noise: 100% / Dead quite tube amps!!Black,black background.

Obviously I love the amps!They very much get out of the way and seem to allow this natural harmonic music to happen.Not perfect,but what a joy to listen to.I strogly recommend an audition to anyone in the market who loves music!

As a side note,I would like to thank everyone who posts on this site,you have helped me immeasurably with questions answered and product choices.

EnJOY the tunes!


Product Weakness: In the overall sound equation I don't really consider these as weakness's but more my nit-picks to strive for perfection:

The leading edge is not as realistic as the inner resolution and decay,needs a tad better definition.Could do a better job with spatial seperation during complex passages on rock & roll and full orchestration.On a few recordings there seems to be a very slight emphisis on the top end.A noticeable loss at very low volume,but more an overall system issue than just the amps.

Product Strengths: Provides overall realistic sound with every type of music.Prat,tone,timbre,inner resolution,bodyweight and fast bass are all there in a rich harmonic manner(Just a joy to listen to,allows you to enter the music!)Design and quality of internal parts.Very small sonic difference wether using current production and nos tubes in the input & drver positions.First time I have experienced dead quite tube amps.Auto bias at turn on is nice.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Wolcott P220/Rogue Magnum 120
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): AA serves as pre & dac
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Audio Aero Capitole MkII SE
Speakers: Von Schweikert VR4JR
Cables/Interconnects: Virtual Dynamics Master/Stealth PGS/CRL Gold/Jena Labs Symphony
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical/Classic Rock/Jazz/Folk
Room Size (LxWxH): 20.5 x 14.5 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: bass traps/carpet/wall coverings/plants
Time Period/Length of Audition: 5 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Powervar/Oyaide
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  The Cable Cooker  



Topic - REVIEW: Wolcott Presence 220M Amplifier (Tube) - theromium 10:59:00 05/20/06 ( 5)