Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Yarland FV-34B III Amplifier (Tube) by raindances

Model:	FV-34B III
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$190
Description:	Tube Integrated Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Yarland
Model Picture:	View

Review by raindances on December 26, 2009 at 07:32:22
IP Address: 65.13.157.204 Add Your Review
for the FV-34B III

This amp is a piece of junk. Cheaply built, cheap transformers, poor design, unreliable and downright dangerous (improper grounding and not designed for USA or UK mains power).

The tube heaters run at about 7.5 volts in this thing when you plug its 110/220V transformer into a 120/240V supply and the smoothing caps are right at their max voltage. Watch out.

It sounds OK if you are trying to recreate the sound of your old console radio but is not a piece of audiophile equipment at all. Don't leave it plugged in when you go out.

Beware also - the manufacturer will have you believe the unit is autobias - it is NOT - it is manually biased and supplied with no instructions to do so.

The other Yarland with the EL84 output tubes is great, by the way.

Product Weakness:	Sound.<br>Safety.
Product Strengths:	Nothing.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: NA
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): NA
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pioneer universal player
Speakers: Mission M70
Cables/Interconnects: Not a believer
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/Rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 14 x 8 x 9
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	NA
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	NA
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer universal player
Speakers:	Mission M70
Cables/Interconnects:	Not a believer
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz/Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 8 x 9
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 year
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner